Breckinridge County CES

County Emphasis:

Building Work and Life Skills

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 3:

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.” 

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). 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). To ensure a sustainable society, it is crucial that our youth are equipped to fill these positions. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults and youth 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.

Learning to create and live within a budget, nurture children, create a safe and pleasant home environment, form relationships with others, solve problems, express oneself in a positive manner, and communicate effectively with others are basic to everyday life in our global society. The ever-changing landscape of the family and the consumer highlights the need for a responsive and innovative Extension program while also providing the basic needs that all families have as they navigate life’s many challenges. Financial education, communications programming, expressive arts education, and other life skills development is key. 

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:

Breckinridge County is a rural community with a population of 20,943. The US Census Bureau (2018-2022) reports that Breckinridge County median Income is $51,756 and 19% of the population falls below poverty.  Also, almost 14% of the population is considered food insecure. During this time 42% of the population, age 25 and older, are high school graduates or equivalent and of the 2021-2022 high school graduates, 20.2% also earned an industry certificate and 33.8% went on to college.  Over 30% of the renters pay 35% of the household income for rent and over 19% homeowners pay more than 35% of household income on housing cost.  

The 2023 Extension Community Assessment identified a continued need for workforce readiness and life skill development for all ages to support financial security and community development.  Breckinridge County Extension seeks to meet these needs through working with youth and families in a variety of situations to increase their career workforce readiness, consumer awareness, financial management, and development of life skills.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increased human capital among Kentuckians

Improved financial security and stability

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:

Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills

Increased sound financial decision making

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:

Improved employability and interpersonal skills

Improved financial literacy knowledge

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 employability and/or interpersonal skills (e.g., job interview skills, communication, networking, time management) (initial)

Indicator: (1) Number of participants who reported improvement in job interview skills; (2) Number of participants who reported improvement in personal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

Outcome: Increased sound financial decision making (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (e.g., regarding credit, budgeting, savings, debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Outcome: Increased savings (intermediate)

Indicator: Dollars reported saved as a result of participating in a financial education or family resource management program.

Method: Documentation (direct report, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Outcome: Short term

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)  

Outcome: Medium Term

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

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey or Interview

Timeline: 1+ years

Learning Opportunities:

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: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Chamber of Commerce, businesses, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Financial Literacy Skills

Content or Curriculum: Use Less. Spend Less. Stress Less. curriculum; publications; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Big Blue Book Club; In the Face of Disaster; Leader Lessons; Money Habitudes; etc. 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, financial entities and organizations, businesses, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communcation 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: 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.

Dates: Program Year 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity: 4-H Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Skills Program (Club/Group/Individual)

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. Focus is on Grades 8-12.

Dates: Program Year

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Life and Work Readiness (Club/Group/Individual) 

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. Focus is on Grades 4-12.

Dates: Program Year 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Improved employability and/or interpersonal skills (e.g., job interview skills, communication, networking, time management) (initial)

Indicator: (1) Number of participants who reported improvement in job interview skills; (2) Number of participants who reported improvement in personal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

Outcome: Increased sound financial decision making (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (e.g., regarding credit, budgeting, savings, debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Outcome: Increased savings (intermediate)

Indicator: Dollars reported saved as a result of participating in a financial education or family resource management program.

Method: Documentation (direct report, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Outcome: Short term

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)  

Outcome: Medium Term

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

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey or Interview

Timeline: 1+ years