Metcalfe County CES

County Emphasis:

Leadership, Economic, Workforce Development

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 3:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 4:

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.

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.

County Situation:

Volunteers are important in building engaged, empowered communities, and finical security.

The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association mission is to improve the quality of life for families and communities through education, leadership development and volunteer service. With membership totaling more than 13,000 statewide, members are engaged leaders and active volunteers. 

4-H Youth and Volunteer Leadership, Soft Skills, Beyond Ready, and Finical Security are goals of our county agents and Extension family.

• Learning about the concept of leadership and your individual role as a leader. 
• Using leadership skills to effectively lead small groups and teams toward common goals. 

Work within our community (club/county/state or beyond) to become an engaged leader who can make a difference.

Volunteers make up the State Extension Council, Metcalfe County Ag Development Council, County Extension Council Program area advisory councils are important in overseeing our educational Plan of Work and finical oversight.

 The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Statewide Report 2024 indicates that money management for families and youth and employee “soft/essential skills” training continue to be important issues statewide. Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center indicates 85% of job success comes from having well developed soft and people skills, and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge (hard skills).  Employers are often prepared to teach technical job skills; however, the intangible skills of being a team player, time management, and positive attitude are difficult to teach on-sight but critical to success.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

1. Increased workforce prep, financial literacy and leadership skills
2. Improved financial security and stability
3. Improved financial and economic well-being

Youth

1. Youth will have increased leadership skills, workforce prep and economic security.  
2. Youth will make sound financial decisions. 
3. Youth will have an increased rate of savings.

Intermediate Outcomes:

 Leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level.

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

Practice better employee “soft/essential skills” such as communication, networking, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, etc.

Improve employability through practical living skills and continued education practices.

 Employment to build real life experience and their resumes 

Ability to manage pre – graduation earnings, by employed high school aged youth.

Adult

• Increased sound financial decision making and Leadership skills
• Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills
• Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources)
• Increased access to community financial resources

Youth

• Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.   
• Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being.

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

Strengthening leadership, financial literacy and well-being, including but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.

• Improved financial literacy knowledge and leadership skills
• Improved employability and interpersonal skills
• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
• Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

Youth

• Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal leadership and financial management. 
• Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions. 

 

Workforce Prep

Adult

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 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:

Outcome: Improved leadership skills,  Knowledge gained through completing training programs, financial literacy knowledge and leadership skills

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

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.

 

Survey 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: Intermediate 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

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Metcalfe County and State Extension Councils

County Extension, District Board, Ag Development, Homemaker, Farmers Market, 4-H, State Extension Council, KY Volunteer Forum

Project or Activity: Leadership, planning meetings and finaicial budgets

Content or Curriculum: POW, Annual County Report, Publications, Legislative update info, program area Agent updates/success stories, Farmers Market Board, GOAP

Inputs: Extension Agents, State specialists, W 7 & 8 AED, Extension office resources Community Partners, Volunteers, GOAP

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Time Management Skills

Content or Curriculum: Time Well Spent: Productivity Skills for Success curriculum; publications, newsletters; Leader Lessons; podcasts; etc.

Inputs: Agents, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Chamber of Commerce, businesses, etc.

Date: 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: School age youth

Project/Activity: Activities that build money management skills and financial awareness in school aged youth.

Content or Curriculum: Mini Society The Bean Budget Game, The Good Credit Game, Reality Store, Dollars and Sense, 4 – H YD/ FCS curriculum, Budgeting

Inputs: FCS Agent, 4 – H YD Agent, 21^st Century After school staff, Metcalfe County Middle and High School Staff and learning space, curriculum publications and resources

Date: Annually during the school year, as requested/scheduled.

 

Audience: 4-H Volunteers and office training

Project or Activity: 4-H Volunteer Orientation and officer training

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: Agent, Extension Office, Volunteers

Date: Fall 

 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele (TAG, Rangers, Cloverbud)

Project or Activity: 4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communication and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Family Consumer Sciences), 4-H Camp, Cloverbud, Volunteerism

Content or Curriculum: Approved Kentucky 4-H Curriculum by Core Program Area or Area of Interest

Inputs: Cooperative Extension Agents, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders.

Dates: Program Year 

 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity: 4-H Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Skills Program (Club/Group/Individual). How to write a letter, envelope and How to fill out a form.

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

Inputs: Agents and Extension Land-grant system, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. Focus is on Grades 4-12.

Dates: Program Year

 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership Program

            Metcalfe Leadership, Teen Conference, Summit, 4-H Camp Counselor Training (Teens and Adults), Achievement 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. Volunteer Orientation

Inputs: Extension staff, In school clubs for middle and high school, after school clubs for teens, area teen councils, Middle school leadership clubs, and civic engagement opportunities. grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. 

Dates: Ongoing

Evaluation:

Outcome: Improved leadership skills,  Knowledge gained through completing training programs, financial literacy knowledge and leadership skills

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

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.

 

Survey 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: Intermediate 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