Floyd County CES

County Emphasis:

Strengthening Extension and Community Leaders and Future Leaders

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

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.

County Situation:

Kentucky by the Numbers states Floyd County is projected to hold 34,308 residents in 2025. Only 12.6% of the residents in 2018 has a bachelor degree or higher. Floyd County Extension Council seen leadership as a need in the county. They believe leadership starts in younger ages and carries out through adulthood for stronger communities and further education. 

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
• Family farms become economically viable.
• Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry are thriving.

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 report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.    

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
• Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnership to address community food system issues.
• Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.
• Increase in the number of farmers’ markets and local food retailers that accept one or more food benefits as payment.

Youth

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  
• Youth will plan and implement a service project. 
• Youth will access nutritious foods.  

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
• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.

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 learn how to access nutritious foods.  

Evaluation:

YOUTH

Outcome: Short Term  

Indicator: 

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: After Program/ Activity Completion  

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

• 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.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. 
• 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  

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At least a year from participation

ADULT

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: Expanded leadership engagement among program participants. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people assuming new leadership roles (formal or informal) as a result of Extension leadership programs.

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership role adoption); annual follow-up tracking leadership retention.

Timeline: Initial survey collected at program completion; follow-up evaluation annually

Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

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Outcome: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

Indicator: Number of volunteers addressing community issues by assessing needs, developing programs and/or implementing solutions.

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported participation in community issue resolution); documentation of volunteer-led initiatives.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program participation; follow-up evaluation conducted at 3 and 6 months.

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.

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Outcome: Implementation of strategies that improve community conditions. (long-term)

Indicator: Number of strategies reported as adopted and implemented to improve community conditions.

Method: Program reports, community partner documentation, and case studies tracking the implementation of strategies.

Timeline: Data collected through quarterly or annual reporting from program participants and community stakeholders.

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)
Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)
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.

Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities.
Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.
Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

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.

Outcome: Short Term  

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks. 
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in Family Consumer Sciences. 
• Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices.
• Number of youth who demonstrated/reported improved egg and/or poultry cooking skills.

Method: Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

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Outcome: Medium Term  

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills   and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of the program year

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Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey 

Timeline: 1 or more years  

Learning Opportunities:

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: In school clubs for middle and high school, after school clubs for teens, area ten councils, Middle school leadership clubs, 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: All year

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: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)

Content or Curriculum: KELD curriculum (e.g., Learning styles, communication essentials, teamwork, dealing with conflict, generational differences, SWOT analysis, etc.), Publications, other materials and expertise

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

Dates: Ongoing

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Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program (KALP)

Content or Curriculum: KALP curriculum, Publications, other materials and expertise

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

Dates: Ongoing

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: Communities
Project or Activity: Supporting Citizen Engagement
Content or Curriculum: Creating Welcoming Communities, Becoming an Informed Citizen, Robert’s Rules Refresh, Youth & Adult Listening Sessions, KY Voter Education Resources, Engaging City Councils, Civic Engagement Through Voting, How To: Community Forums
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, etc.
Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Cooking: 101, 201, 301, 401 

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  
• 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 

Dates: September 1 – August 30 

Evaluation:

YOUTH

Outcome: Short Term  

Indicator: 

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: After Program/ Activity Completion  

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

• 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.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. 
• 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  

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At least a year from participation

ADULT

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: Expanded leadership engagement among program participants. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people assuming new leadership roles (formal or informal) as a result of Extension leadership programs.

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership role adoption); annual follow-up tracking leadership retention.

Timeline: Initial survey collected at program completion; follow-up evaluation annually

Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

---

Outcome: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

Indicator: Number of volunteers addressing community issues by assessing needs, developing programs and/or implementing solutions.

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported participation in community issue resolution); documentation of volunteer-led initiatives.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program participation; follow-up evaluation conducted at 3 and 6 months.

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.

---

Outcome: Implementation of strategies that improve community conditions. (long-term)

Indicator: Number of strategies reported as adopted and implemented to improve community conditions.

Method: Program reports, community partner documentation, and case studies tracking the implementation of strategies.

Timeline: Data collected through quarterly or annual reporting from program participants and community stakeholders.

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)
Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)
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.

Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities.
Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.
Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

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.

Outcome: Short Term  

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks. 
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in Family Consumer Sciences. 
• Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices.
• Number of youth who demonstrated/reported improved egg and/or poultry cooking skills.

Method: Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

---

Outcome: Medium Term  

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills   and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of the program year

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Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey 

Timeline: 1 or more years