Cumberland County CES

County Emphasis:

Live Well, Lead Well

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Concentration 3:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 4:

Building Leadership Capacity

Situation:

Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Employee Soft Skills (e.g., communication, productivity, and teamwork skills) and Building Life Skills of Community Members were among the top ten Individual and Family Development Needs reported by Kentuckians.

Youth Focus

America’s future hinges on a prepared workforce and engaged communities collaborating to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. As of 2024, there are 2,465,949 job openings in Kentucky and nationwide there are 10 million unfilled jobs. Fasted growing jobs are in the fields of vocational education and higher education teachers, agriculture professionals, and digitally enabled roles: ecommerce specialists, digital transformation specialists, and digital marketing professionals (World Economic Forum, 2023). 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet (Dell Technologies, 2019). 77% of employers say focus less on traditional school subjects, more on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, adaptability are key (World Economic Forum, 2023). According to the National 4-H Index Study 2024, 80% explored career options, 50% received guidance for college decisions, and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at. To ensure a sustainable society, it is crucial that our youth are equipped to fill these positions. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) has identified key priority issues related to life skill development for young people. These priorities include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, and maximizing youth voice in matters that directly impact them. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future.

Though substance use and substance use disorder have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequence associated with substance use has rapidly worsened in recent years. Drug overdoses have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death and overdoses have contributed to a reduction in average life expectancy in the US. Much of the substance use-related morbidity and mortality is a result of a persistent treatment gap. Each year, about 90% of people who need treatment for SUD in Kentucky do not receive it. To address this gap in service provision, more community-level programming is required to meet the complex needs of Kentuckians who use drugs. Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned, both with deep connections to each Kentucky county and with its transdisciplinary team of specialists, to address the holistic needs of Kentuckians who use drugs including mental health, fair housing, second-chance employment, nutrition and physical health, and much more.

Youth Focus

Substance use and substance use disorder are persistent public health problems in Kentucky. Kentucky youth fare worse than their US counterparts in terms of numerous indicators of drug use and drug-related harm including cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, vaping, alcohol use, and illicit drug use such as opioid and methamphetamine use. Accordingly, the recent University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2023) indicated substance use prevention is the primary concern among most Kentucky counties. Nevertheless, few Kentucky communities support prevention efforts that are informed by research. Cooperative Extension is well-positioned with deep collaborative community ties to support evidence-based prevention programming. Such programs may target substance use directly or indirectly by focusing on pertinent risk and protective factors and promoting overall well-being for Kentucky youth.

A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.

Youth Focus

In Kentucky, economic uncertainty due to job market fluctuations and agricultural shifts impacts youth through unstable family environments and limited resources. Hospitality, retail, and tourism generated over $10 billion in 2023, with job growth in culinary arts, tourism, and hobby industries. The unemployment rate increased by 4.7% from July 2023 to July 2024. According to the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023), priorities include building financial literacy and resource management skills, youth life skill training (e.g., leadership and communication), strengthening youth workforce readiness (e.g., entrepreneurship, business development), and engaging diverse and non-traditional youth audiences. America’s future relies on a ready workforce and engaged communities to tackle major challenges. Kentucky 4-H develops youth potential for lifelong success through essential skills in communication, leadership, and civic engagement. 80% of 4-Hers reported that 4-H helped them explore career options and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at, and 50% reported 4-H helped them with college decision-making. 4-H programs equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in their personal lives, family lives, and communities.

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).

Youth Focus

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.

County Situation:

Cumberland County, Kentucky, with a population of just over 6,500, faces several complex challenges that align directly with the Commonwealth’s broader needs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2023), the county’s median household income is approximately $39,000—well below the state median of $55,100—and over 23% of residents live below the poverty line. These economic hardships contribute to limited access to healthcare, educational attainment, and stable employment, particularly among young adults. Additionally, nearly 22% of the population is over age 65, making the development of a younger, skilled, and community-engaged workforce even more critical.

The 2023 Kentucky Extension Community Needs Assessment revealed that Cumberland County residents prioritized the following: (1) youth life skills development, (2) building financial literacy and resource management skills, and (3) supporting substance use prevention. Substance misuse remains a local concern, with anecdotal reports from school officials and the local health department citing increased vaping and methamphetamine use among youth. Prevention programming rooted in resilience-building, mentorship, and leadership development is desperately needed.

At the same time, there is an urgent need to develop leadership capacity across the county’s organizations and civic groups. However, community leaders often express difficulty finding individuals prepared to step into leadership roles. Increasing access to training in communication, decision-making, and professional soft skills can help cultivate a pipeline of future leaders.

To address these needs, Cumberland County CES will implement integrated programming that builds life and workforce skills, supports recovery and prevention efforts, enhances financial literacy, and strengthens local leadership. This strategic approach ensures Cumberland County residents are equipped to lead, contribute, and thrive.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

1. Increased human capital among Kentuckians
2. Decrease in state unemployment rates
3. Improved quality of workforce
4. Increased recovery capital
5. Reduced adult substance use
6. Reduced adult substance use disorder
7. Reduced adult overdose fatalities
8. Reduced stigma related to adult substance use
9. Improved quality of life
10. Increased financial literacy skills
11. Improved financial security and stability
12. Improved financial and economic well-being
13. Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations
14. Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community
15. Increased community pride or investment
16. Improved local economy
17. Improved quality of life for citizens

 

Youth

1. Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
2. Youth participation in community involvement increases.
3. Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.
4. Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 
5. Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities.
6. Improved social and emotional competency
7. Reduced youth substance use
8. Reduced youth substance use disorder
9. Reduced youth overdose fatalities
10. Reduced stigma related to youth substance use
11. Improved quality of life
12. Youth will have increased economic security.  
13. Youth will make sound financial decisions. 
14. Youth will have an increased rate of savings. 
15. Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
16. Youth participation in community involvement increases.  
17. Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.  
18. Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult

1. Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills
2. Increased salary/income
3. Increased employment
4. Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs
5. Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder
6. Increased sound financial decision making
7. Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills
8. Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources)
9. Increased access to community financial resources
10. Participants gain confidence to lead
11. Leaders are inspired to get more involved
12. Leaders address community issues and needs
13. Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects
14. Leaders mentor others
15. Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions

 

Youth

1. Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.
2. Youth will plan and implement a service project.
3. Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community.
4. Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs
5. Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention
6. Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.   
7. Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being.
8. Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  
9. Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

1. Strengthening work and life skills, including but not limited to, developing workforce development skills, employability and interpersonal skills, and work-life management strategies. 
2. Developed skills related to workforce development
3. Improved employability and interpersonal skills
4. Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
5. Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance
6. Substance use prevention and recovery behaviors for adults include, but are not limited to, pro-social activity, employability, building supportive networks, healthy coping and stress management, and mental health support.
7. Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder
8. Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
9. Increased confidence making decision related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
10. Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language
11. Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). 
12. Strengthening financial literacy and well-being, including but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.
13. Improved financial literacy knowledge
14. Improved employability and interpersonal skills
15. Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
16. Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance
17. Improved leadership skills
18. Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices
19. Knowledge gained through training programs
20. Taking on leadership roles for the first time
21. Assuming new leadership roles
22. Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles

Youth

1. Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development.
2. Increased knowledge of career pathways.
3. Increased knowledge of educational, training, and certification opportunities.
4. Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills.
5. Substance use prevention and recovery behaviors for youth include, but are not limited to, pro-social activity, positively relating to parents and other non-parental adults, building supportive networks, healthy coping and stress management, substance use refusal self-efficacy, and peer pressure management.
6. Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects
7. Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
8. Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
9. Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language
10. Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).
11. Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management. 
12. Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions. 
13. Youth will explore their spark in leadership. 
14. Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  
15. Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.  
16. Youth realize how their actions impact others

Evaluation:

Outcome: Developed skills related to workforce development (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Implementation of employability strategies/skills (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Outcome: Increased practical skills in trades and craft-based industries

Indicator: Number of participants reporting gaining a new skill through hands-on instruction or workshops in trades or craft-based skills (e.g. woodworking, painting, metalworking, hand-building).

Method: Self-reported surveys collected immediately after workshop participation.

Timeline: Post-program survey administration with optional 6 months follow up to assess skill application

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: K-12

Project or Activity: School Enrichment Programs

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Work & Life Readiness Lessons, 4-H Build Your Future, Work Ready Life Skills, and Leap into Careers.

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. 

Date: Program Year

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Development of Employability Skills & Recovery Capital Building

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability; publications, newsletters (e.g., MONEYWI$E); PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; Enhancing Essential Skills Through the Arts curriculum and lessons; Recovery Gardens

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.

Date: Program Year

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Family Resource Management Skills

Content or Curriculum: Use Less. Spend Less. Stress Less. curriculum; publications; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; Leader Lessons; etc. 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Estate Planning

Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning publication series; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; Leader Lessons; farm succession and legacy building programs; etc.

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Reality Store

Content or Curriculum: It’s Your Reality 

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs. 

Date: Program Year 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Entrepreneurship  

Content or Curriculum: 

Be the E: Entrepreneurship, Level 1: Love It 

Be the E: Entrepreneurship, Level 2: Plan It 

Be the E: Entrepreneurship, Level 3: Do It

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.

Date: September 1 – August 30

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

Content or Curriculum: 

4-H Major Study of Emphasis  

Money Habitudes  

Building a Healthy Wealthy Future  

Jump$tart: Reality Check  

Money Smart  

Building Your Financial Future 

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.

Date: September 1 – August 30

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Piggy Bank Contest

Content or Curriculum: 

Money Habitudes  

Building a Healthy Wealthy Future  

Jump$tart: Reality Check  

Money Smart  

Building Your Financial Future  

Kentucky Saves Week 

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs. 

Date: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA)

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Leadership Academy, Homemakers Leader Lessons, Publications, Newsletters/News & Notes, Officer/Chairman training materials, KEHA State Meeting, various other resources and materials

Inputs: Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profits, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Summit

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: Fall 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor Training (Teens) 

Content or Curriculum: Content in the Camp Volunteer Training Guide is sourced from the American Camp Association best practices and focuses on developmental needs of campers, safety considerations, operating procedures, age-appropriate behavior management, and camper supervision techniques.

Inputs: These trainings are supported by the research base of the American Camp Association with materials provided by the 4-H State Office, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and led by County Extension Staff responsible for 4-H Camp. 

Dates: Pre-Summer  

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: Throughout the year

Evaluation:

Outcome: Developed skills related to workforce development (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Implementation of employability strategies/skills (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Outcome: Increased practical skills in trades and craft-based industries

Indicator: Number of participants reporting gaining a new skill through hands-on instruction or workshops in trades or craft-based skills (e.g. woodworking, painting, metalworking, hand-building).

Method: Self-reported surveys collected immediately after workshop participation.

Timeline: Post-program survey administration with optional 6 months follow up to assess skill application