Bath County CES

County Emphasis:

Leadership Development and Community Enhancement

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Situation:

Leadership is critical at several levels, from elected officials and internal management structure of organizations to project managers, team leaders, and those who inspire throughout a community. Thriving communities may require many leaders willing to take on leadership roles. And yet, it can be a challenge to identify new leaders or to encourage leaders to step up to the role without first building leadership capacity (CEDIK 2024). Respondents participating in the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment identified the need to build leadership capacity to enhance individual and family development and community and economic development. Kentucky has a statewide need to “prepare community members for formal/informal leadership and/or volunteer roles” and to build “capacity of local nonprofits and community leaders,” according to the survey. UK Extension aims to work on strengthening critical leadership skills and confidence for new and emerging leaders so that the pool of willing and capable leaders can rise to match local needs. Volunteer training can have motivational benefits ranging from inspiring volunteers to get more involved to keeping them in the program (Fox, Hebert, Martin & Bairnsfather, 2009).

4-H opportunities profoundly impact individuals and communities in Kentucky by equipping youth with essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, fostering personal leadership, and community engagement. Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability are key to future employment (World Economic Forum, 2023). 77% of employers say that there should be less focus on traditional school subjects and more focus on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). In the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment youth life skill training opportunities (such as leadership and communication skill opportunities), strengthening youth workforce readiness, and strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships were top priorities across Kentucky. According to the National 4-H Annual Index Survey (2024), 95% of youth identified their strengths through 4-H, 80% explored career options, and 50% received guidance for college decisions. Additionally, 75% enjoyed helping their community, and 93% felt inspired by 4-H, with 42% being inspired “a lot” to volunteer. These experiences build leadership capacity, promote civic engagement, and create connected, resilient communities by encouraging critical thinking and empathy. Furthermore, 4-H offers life skill training, strengthens youth workforce readiness, fosters mentorship, maximizes youth voice in important issues, and enhances peer-peer relationships.

Kentucky’s communities face unique challenges that require enhancing connectivity and resilience through digital access, social cohesion, and well-designed public spaces. Broadband access remains critical, particularly in rural areas where digital connectivity gaps hinder economic and educational opportunities. The 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified improved broadband and digital literacy as top priorities for enhancing community resilience.

Extension’s connectivity and resilience efforts focus on supporting local economies and helping communities recover from economic shifts and natural disasters (CEDIK, 2024). By promoting digital literacy, educating on safe and vibrant outdoor spaces, and implementing place-based disaster preparedness programs, Extension strengthens community connections and economic sustainability. These initiatives benefit residents, businesses, and local governments, fostering stronger, more resilient communities equipped to face future challenges

In today’s rapidly evolving world, youth are and can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected and resilient communities. Young people are leveraging technology and social networks to foster strong, supportive relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. They are actively engaged in community-building activities, promoting access to opportunity, and driving change. By participating in local and global initiatives, they are not only enhancing their own resilience but also contributing to the overall strength and adaptability of their communities. Their innovative approaches to problem-solving and their commitment to sustainability are essential in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. As they continue to collaborate and share knowledge, youth are laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient world. 4-H is committed to providing the resources necessary to promote youth connection in their communities. Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). Communities that promote the indicators of youth thriving will have more connected, capable, and committed citizens that can critically think through addressing the needs and priorities of their community.

County Situation:

Improving the education environment was identified as a pressing need in Bath County by focus group participants. Poor internet connections, business development, and creation of job opportunities are issues identified as important. Overarching community issues of poverty, hunger, and health were also identified as issues needing attention in Bath County. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.  Bath County has also experienced natural disasters that have resulted in the death of children and adults. Awareness of safety, both public and individual has become a focus within local government and extension.  Bath County’s total population is estimated to be 12,750 with 14.6% over the age of 65. The total number of jobs in Bath County in 2016 was 3,776. There were 147 total businesses in the county employing 1556 people. The employment rate in Bath County in 2022 was 49.9%.  In 2016, of the 4,432 workers age 16 and over, only 52.0% worked inside the county. In 2022, 17.8% of Bath County’s population was officially under the poverty level. The development of local leadership can assist the cooperative extension service, along with our sister organizations across the community, to develop programs that will address the identified needs in this community. Strong leaders can bring together county government, community based organizations and industry leaders to bring about a positive change in the county’s rural infrastructure, telecommunications, and employment.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing
2. Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement
3. Community members that have gained leadership experience through extension work will share their talents through leadership involvement in regional and state organizations.
4. Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations
5. Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
6. Youth participation in community involvement increases.  
7. Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.  
8. Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups.
2. New partnerships and networks address community challenges
3. Participants gain confidence to lead
4. Leaders address community issues and needs
5. Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects
6. Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.
7. Increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs.

Initial Outcomes:

1. Improved awareness of civic engagement opportunities.
2. Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
3. Taking on leadership roles for the first time
4. Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles
5. Youth will explore their spark in leadership. 
6. Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  
7. Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.  
8. Youth realize how their actions impact others

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome:

Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand qualities and pathways for serving as a leader.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure).  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to serve in leadership roles.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they are interested in serving as a leader. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: After Program/Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit skills of a leader and hold leadership positions.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. 
3. Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At end of Club/Program Year  

Long-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit confidence in being work-ready, healthy, productive, and engaged citizens

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Long-Term Outcome:

Outcome: Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Indicator 1: Number of communities or organizations securing external funding (grants, sponsorships, or resource investments) as a result of Extension support.

Indicator 2: Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.

Method: grant tracking, partners surveys, local reports

Timeline: annually

Learning Opportunities:

1. 
   

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

Content or Curriculum: In the Face of Disaster Toolkit, publications

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Community groups such as: * Chamber of Commerce * Library *Fiscal Court * Health Department 

Project or Activity: collaboration , team building, needs assessment

 Content or Curriculum: facilitation, social media and online programs

 Inputs: UK specialists, community partners

 Date: May - December

Audience: Community Members

Project or Activity: Supporting Citizen Engagement

Content or Curriculum: Creating Welcoming Communities, Becoming an Informed Citizen, Robert’s Rules Refresh, KY Voter Education Resources, Engaging City Councils, Civic Engagement Through Voting

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership Program

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum such as Leadership Skills you never outgrow is sourced from Shop 4-H and Ricochet: An Extreme 4-H Leadership Adventure is sourced from other Land Grant Systems. All curriculum pieces focus on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

Inputs: School enrichment, after school clubs, area teen events, and civic engagement opportunities. These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. 

 Dates: Program Year 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Achievement Program

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement. 

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. 

 Dates: Program Year

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Building Connection in Communities

Content or Curriculum: SPARK! toolkit, Placemaking Toolkit, Community Design publications, Community Arts publications, CLD publications, Building Community Pop-Up Toolkit, Creative Community Projects toolkit, Community Mural toolkit, Story Circles, curriculum, trainings, continuing education, Civic Engagement publications, Coalition and Network building publications

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome:

Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand qualities and pathways for serving as a leader.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure).  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to serve in leadership roles.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they are interested in serving as a leader. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: After Program/Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit skills of a leader and hold leadership positions.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. 
3. Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At end of Club/Program Year  

Long-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit confidence in being work-ready, healthy, productive, and engaged citizens

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Long-Term Outcome:

Outcome: Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Indicator 1: Number of communities or organizations securing external funding (grants, sponsorships, or resource investments) as a result of Extension support.

Indicator 2: Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.

Method: grant tracking, partners surveys, local reports

Timeline: annually