Enhancing Leadership DevelopmentPlan of Work
Spencer County CES
County Emphasis:
Enhancing Leadership Development
Concentration 1:
Building Leadership Capacity
Concentration 2:
Building Leadership Capacity
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.
County Situation:
The Spencer County Cooperative Extension Office cultivates leadership by engaging volunteers in identifying local needs and guiding educational programs that enhance community well-being. Through initiatives like 4-H Youth Development and the Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD) curriculum, the Council empowers individuals to assume leadership roles, fostering a vibrant and resilient community.
The Spencer County Cooperative Extension offers leadership development programs through 4-H Youth Development, KEHA, and Master Gardner initiatives. These programs aim to build leadership skills among youth and adults, fostering community engagement and economic growth.
Long-Term Outcomes:
- More local residents will engage in county-wide and regional leadership roles, contributing to broader community decision-making.
- Civic engagement and volunteerism will increase, strengthening the fabric and resilience of the Spencer County community.
- Extension programs will foster a consistent pipeline of youth and adult leaders, ensuring sustained community leadership over time.
- Community programs will benefit from stronger, well-trained volunteer leadership, resulting in higher program quality and impact across Spencer County.
Intermediate Outcomes:
- Spencer County residents will actively participate in Extension and community group leadership programs.
- Youth will demonstrate enhanced leadership and communication abilities through participation in events like 4-H Teen Conference, Teen Summit, and State Boards.
- Volunteers will begin leading classes, clubs, or projects, showing growth in their leadership confidence and skill sets.
- Participants will contribute to council or organizational development, including forming or enhancing local leadership committees.
Initial Outcomes:
- Residents will identify local areas of interest where they can get involved in community programs or initiatives.
- Extension staff will offer a variety of leadership trainings, equipping residents with basic skills to support county activities.
- Youth will begin developing communication and public speaking skills, particularly through activities like Elementary Communications Contests.
- Volunteers and participants will increase awareness of leadership opportunities available through Extension programs such as KEHA, 4-H, and Master Gardener.
Evaluation:
Outcome Fear of Public Speaking Reduced
Indicator Elementary Speech and Demonstration Contests
Method Observations/Surveys.
Timeline January 2026 – May 2026.
Outcome Council Development
Indicator Development of council committees.
Method Trainings for officers and members of Councils.
Timeline July 2025 – June 2026
Outcome KEHA and Master Gardner Members with Various Groups
Indicator Number of hours of service.
Method Observation and Pre/post surveys.
Timeline July 2025 – June 2026
Outcome Volunteer Development
Indicator Number of Volunteer Lead Classes/Programs/Clubs.
Method Observations/Surveys.
Timeline July 2025 – June 2026
Learning Opportunities:
Audience Senior Citizens, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity Community Classes (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum Facilitators develop their own materials to teach the residents of Spencer County in individual classes.
Inputs Extension Council, Extension District Board, University of Kentucky Specialists, Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Master Clothing Volunteer, Master Gardner Volunteers, Local Producers, KEHA, 4-H Members, Leaders, Volunteers, Spencer County Chamber of Commerce, Spencer County Library.
Date(s) July 2025 – June 2026.
Audience Senior Citizens, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity Teen Conference, State 4-H Leadership Boards, 4-H Camp, Teen Summit, Kentucky Volunteer Forum, Volunteer Certification Training. (MT)
Content or Curriculum Leadership Development for Middle School and High School students, as well as 4-H Volunteers.
Inputs Extension District Board, University of Kentucky Specialists, Family Resource Youth Service Center, Spencer County School System, KEHA, 4-H Members, Leaders, Volunteers.
Date(s) July 2025 – June 2026.
Audience Senior Citizens, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity Summer Intern (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum Extension Experience.
Inputs Extension Council, Extension District Board, University of Kentucky Specialists, Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Farm Bureau, Master Clothing Volunteer, Master Gardner Volunteers, Local Producers, KEHA, 4-H Members, Leaders, Volunteers, Spencer County Fair Board, and Spencer County Chamber of Commerce.
Date(s) May 2026 – August 2026.
Audience Senior Citizens, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity Sewing Clubs (EM, MT)
Content or Curriculum KEHA Sewing Lessons with Master Clothing Volunteer and other volunteers, 4-H sewing curriculum, Community Service Projects, KEHA Showcase
Inputs Extension Council, Extension District Board, University of Kentucky Specialists, Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Master Clothing Volunteer, KEHA, 4-H Members, Leaders, Volunteers.
Date(s) July 2025 – June 2026.
Audience Senior Citizens, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity Leadership Development (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum Extension curriculum, Officer curriculum.
Inputs Extension Council, Extension District Board, University of Kentucky Specialists, Family Resource Youth Service Center, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County School System, Farm Bureau, Master Clothing Volunteer, Local Producers, KEHA, 4-H Members, Leaders, Volunteers, and Spencer County Chamber of Commerce.
Date(s) July 2025 – June 2026.
Audience Senior Citizens, Adults, and Youth
Project or Activity Elementary Communications Contests (MT)
Content or Curriculum 4-H Communications Curriculum
Inputs Extension Council, Extension District Board, Family Resource Youth Service Center, Spencer County School System, KEHA, 4-H Members, Local Leaders, Extension Volunteers, Community Members.
Date(s) January 2026 – June 2026.
Evaluation:
Outcome Fear of Public Speaking Reduced
Indicator Elementary Speech and Demonstration Contests
Method Observations/Surveys.
Timeline January 2026 – May 2026.
Outcome Council Development
Indicator Development of council committees.
Method Trainings for officers and members of Councils.
Timeline July 2025 – June 2026
Outcome KEHA and Master Gardner Members with Various Groups
Indicator Number of hours of service.
Method Observation and Pre/post surveys.
Timeline July 2025 – June 2026
Outcome Volunteer Development
Indicator Number of Volunteer Lead Classes/Programs/Clubs.
Method Observations/Surveys.
Timeline July 2025 – June 2026
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