Henderson County CES

County Emphasis:

Building Leadership Skills

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Work and Life Skill Development

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).

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.

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.

County Situation:

Henderson County, Kentucky, is at a pivotal point where leadership and workforce development are essential to meet the evolving needs of its community. The Cooperative Extension Service recognizes the importance of cultivating adaptable leaders and a skilled workforce to ensure the county's continued growth and resilience.  

Workforce Development Challenges: 

Henderson County's economy employs approximately 19,600 individuals. The unemployment rate stands at 5.0% as of December 2024, which is higher than the previous year's rate of 3.9% These statistics highlight the need for robust workforce development programs to equip residents with the skills required in a competitive job market.  

Leadership Development Needs: 

 There are significant gaps in leadership development across various sectors of the community. Many individuals— youth, minorities, small business owners, and residents in rural areas—lack access to structured leadership opportunities. These populations often face barriers such as transportation, limited time, and lack of awareness of existing programs. 

Moreover, with the rise in remote work, technological advancements, and shifts in workforce expectations, the community needs leaders who are not only civic-minded but also tech-savvy, adaptable, and skilled in cross-generational communication.  

How Extension Can Respond: 

The Cooperative Extension Service is uniquely positioned to respond to these needs by expanding programming that: 

• Develops youth leaders through 4-H Teen Leadership Councils, internships, and civic engagement activities. 

• Trains volunteer leaders in facilitation, team-building, and leadership best practices. 

• Offers community leadership workshops open to residents interested in public service, boards, and advocacy. 

• Partners with employers to offer soft skills and leadership development for emerging workforce leaders. 

• Provides culturally responsive programming that addresses leadership development for diverse communities. 

 

Extension's Role: 

The Cooperative Extension Service is uniquely positioned to address the leadership and workforce development needs of Henderson County by expanding and enhancing its programming. Extension plays a vital role in cultivating leadership through the development of youth leaders via 4-H leadership opportunities, and civic engagement opportunities. Volunteer leaders are supported through training in facilitation, team-building, and leadership best practices, preparing them to serve effectively in community roles. Extension also offers leadership development workshops that are open to all residents interested in public service, serving on boards, and local advocacy. In partnership with local employers, Extension provides training in soft skills and leadership for emerging professionals in the workforce, helping to build a more adaptable and resilient labor force. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Extension also delivers culturally responsive programming tailored to the unique needs of Henderson County’s diverse communities.  The Cooperative Extension Service supports leadership training, workforce readiness, and community engagement, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and involved citizenry.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

• Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations
• Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community
• Increased community pride or investment
• Improved local economy
• Improved quality of life for citizens
• Increased human capital among Kentuckians
• Decrease in state unemployment rates
• Improved quality of workforce

Youth

• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.  
• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.  
• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 
• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.
• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.
• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 
• Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult

• Participants gain confidence to lead
• Leaders are inspired to get more involved
• Leaders address community issues and needs
• Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects
• Leaders mentor others
• Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions
• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills
• Increased salary/income
• Increased employment

Youth

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  
• Youth will plan and implement a service project. 
• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.
• Youth will plan and implement a service project.
• Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community.

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

• Improved leadership skills
• Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices
• Knowledge gained through training programs
• Taking on leadership roles for the first time
• Assuming new leadership roles
• Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles

Strengthening work and life skills, including but not limited to, developing workforce development skills, employability and interpersonal skills, and work-life management strategies. 

• Developed skills related to workforce development
• Improved employability and interpersonal skills
• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
• Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

Youth

• Youth will explore their spark in leadership. 
• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  
• Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.  
• Youth realize how their actions impact others
• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development.
• Increased knowledge of career pathways.
• Increased knowledge of educational, training, and certification opportunities.
• Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcomes

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they identified community needs.  
• Number of youth who expressed interest in expanding their knowledge of other cultures.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can identify aspects of their own culture.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can name one responsibility they have as a citizen.  
• Number of youth who report increased confidence interacting with others as a result of their participation in Extension arts activities.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Immediately post program

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported learning new skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported that they improved their job interview skills as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported an improvement in their personal skills (e.g., communication, networking, time management) as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned strategies for managing their work-life responsibilities as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who reported expressing their thoughts or opinions. 
• Number of youth who reported using information to communicate with others. 
• Number of youth who reported demonstrating a skill they have learned. 
• Number of youth who reported serving in a leadership role. 
• Number of youth who reported working in a team / group to accomplish a common task or goal. 
• Number of youth who reported realizing how my actions impact others. 
• Number of youth reporting identifying the needs of others in their community. 
• Number of youth who reported participating in a service activity (community service, service learning, personal service to others). 
• Number of youth who reported recognizing leaders in their community or area of interest. 
• Number of volunteers who taught youth to express their thoughts or opinions. 
• Number of volunteers who taught youth how to use information to communicate with others. 
• Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to demonstrate a skill they learned. 
• Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to serve in a leadership role. 
• Number of volunteers who facilitated experiences for youth to work in a team/group to accomplish a common task or goal.  
• Number of volunteers who helped youth understand how their actions impact others. 
• Number of volunteers who facilitated the identification of the needs of others in their community. 
• Number of volunteers who coordinated service activities (community service, service learning, personal service to others). 
• Number of volunteers who taught youth to recognize leaders in their community or area of interest.

Method: Standard Evaluation 

Timeline: Immediately post program (6+ hours)  

Initial Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles 

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Outcome: Increased engagement via knowledge transfer through volunteer-led Extension programs. (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who actively engaged in learning opportunities facilitated by trained Extension volunteers (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs).

Method: Post-event/program surveys measuring participant engagement and knowledge gained; volunteer reports tracking education interactions.

Timeline: Data collected immediately after each program/event.

 

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  
• Number of youth who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they used the skills learned  to plan and facilitate a service project. 
• Number of youth who reported that they can communicate to others an aspect of their own culture.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can explain one responsibility they have as a citizen.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: End of Program Year

Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation

 

Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of people actively recruiting and engaging others to participate in community projects.

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in community-led projects.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.

 

Long Term Outcome:

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

Method: Survey 

Timeline: 1+ year

 

Outcome: Engage leaders in local coalitions and organizations. (long-term)

Indicator: Number of individuals actively engaged in coalitions or organizations to address significant community issues.

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in coalitions and organizations.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H Volunteers

Project or Activity: 4-H Council/Lead Clubs

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and UK publications

Inputs: Henderson CES

Date: Annually

Audience: CEC

Project or Activity: Leadership Training

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: Specialist and agents

Date: Fall 2025

Audience: Teens

Project or Activity: Teen Leadership Academy

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum 

Inputs: Agents, Extension Specialists, local businesses, community leaders 

Date: September 2025-May 2026

Audience: Teens

Project or Activity: Area Teen Council

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum 

Inputs: Agents, local businesses, community leaders 

Date: August 2025-May 2026

Audience: Teens

Project or Activity: Advanced Teen Leadership Academy

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: Agents, Extension Specialists, 4-H State Officer, local businesses, community partner

Date: September 2025-May 2026

Audience: Shooting Sports Teens

Project or Activity: Shooting Sports Teen Coaches

Content or Curriculum: State Training

Inputs: 4-H Specialists, Level II Instructors, Shooting Sports Coaches, 4-H Agent

Date: Throughout the year

Audience: Adult and Teen Volunteers

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Volunteers

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp Orientation Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent

Date: May/June 2026

Audience: Extension Volunteers

Project or Activity: Kentucky Volunteer Forum

Content or Curriculum: Specialists, volunteers, etc.

Inputs: State Specialist, Extension Volunteers, Extension Agents

Date: February 2026

Audience: Henderson teens

Project or Activity: Babysitting Clinic

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Babysitting Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent, First Aid/CPR Instructor 

Date: May/June 2026

Audience: Henderson Adults and Families

Project or Activity: Money Habitudes 

Content or Curriculum: Money Habitudes

Inputs: Extension Staff, FCS Advisory Council, Community Partners

Date: November 2025

Audience: Henderson Adults

Project or Activity: Career Development Program

Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum

Inputs: Extension Staff, Extension Specialist, FCS Advisory Council

Date: January 2026

Audience: Henderson youth

Project or Activity: Adulting 101 program

Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum, 4-H curriculum

Inputs: Extension Agents/staff, community partners

Date: Fall 2025 or spring 2026

Audience: 

Project or Activity: 

Content or Curriculum: 

Inputs:

Date: 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcomes

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they identified community needs.  
• Number of youth who expressed interest in expanding their knowledge of other cultures.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can identify aspects of their own culture.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can name one responsibility they have as a citizen.  
• Number of youth who report increased confidence interacting with others as a result of their participation in Extension arts activities.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Immediately post program

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported learning new skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported that they improved their job interview skills as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported an improvement in their personal skills (e.g., communication, networking, time management) as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported that they learned strategies for managing their work-life responsibilities as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who reported expressing their thoughts or opinions. 
• Number of youth who reported using information to communicate with others. 
• Number of youth who reported demonstrating a skill they have learned. 
• Number of youth who reported serving in a leadership role. 
• Number of youth who reported working in a team / group to accomplish a common task or goal. 
• Number of youth who reported realizing how my actions impact others. 
• Number of youth reporting identifying the needs of others in their community. 
• Number of youth who reported participating in a service activity (community service, service learning, personal service to others). 
• Number of youth who reported recognizing leaders in their community or area of interest. 
• Number of volunteers who taught youth to express their thoughts or opinions. 
• Number of volunteers who taught youth how to use information to communicate with others. 
• Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to demonstrate a skill they learned. 
• Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to serve in a leadership role. 
• Number of volunteers who facilitated experiences for youth to work in a team/group to accomplish a common task or goal.  
• Number of volunteers who helped youth understand how their actions impact others. 
• Number of volunteers who facilitated the identification of the needs of others in their community. 
• Number of volunteers who coordinated service activities (community service, service learning, personal service to others). 
• Number of volunteers who taught youth to recognize leaders in their community or area of interest.

Method: Standard Evaluation 

Timeline: Immediately post program (6+ hours)  

Initial Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles 

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Outcome: Increased engagement via knowledge transfer through volunteer-led Extension programs. (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who actively engaged in learning opportunities facilitated by trained Extension volunteers (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs).

Method: Post-event/program surveys measuring participant engagement and knowledge gained; volunteer reports tracking education interactions.

Timeline: Data collected immediately after each program/event.

 

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  
• Number of youth who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. 
• Number of youth who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they used the skills learned  to plan and facilitate a service project. 
• Number of youth who reported that they can communicate to others an aspect of their own culture.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can explain one responsibility they have as a citizen.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: End of Program Year

Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation

 

Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of people actively recruiting and engaging others to participate in community projects.

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in community-led projects.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.

 

Long Term Outcome:

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

Method: Survey 

Timeline: 1+ year

 

Outcome: Engage leaders in local coalitions and organizations. (long-term)

Indicator: Number of individuals actively engaged in coalitions or organizations to address significant community issues.

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in coalitions and organizations.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.