Calloway County CES

County Emphasis:

Optimizing youth and adult life skills to enhance workforce readiness and improve family development.

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Family and Youth Development

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.” 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:

Calloway County is home to a diverse population of approximately 39,000 residents. With Murray State University serving as a central hub for education and economic activity, the county benefits from a strong academic presence but still faces significant challenges in preparing both youth and adults for long-term success in the workforce.

Despite educational resources, local employers report difficulty finding workers with adequate soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, dependability, and adaptability—skills critical to workplace success and lifelong employability. These gaps are particularly evident among youth and young adults entering the labor market for the first time. Additionally, changes in the nature of work, such as increased automation and the need for digital literacy, require ongoing adult skill development and career adaptability.

Many families in Calloway County experience financial pressures, limited access to child care, and insufficient transportation options, all of which can restrict opportunities for educational and workforce advancement. Youth development is also challenged by the need for out-of-school enrichment opportunities that build leadership, civic engagement, financial literacy, and career exploration—needs that often compete for time and attention with sports and other extracurricular activities.

The community has expressed a growing need for programs that build foundational life skills—such as budgeting, nutrition, time management, and parenting—as well as hands-on workforce training for youth and adults. Families and local stakeholders recognize the importance of early intervention and consistent engagement to help youth become responsible, capable adults and to assist adults in navigating career transitions or personal development pathways.

To address these issues, the Cooperative Extension Service in Calloway County is uniquely positioned to lead efforts that strengthen individual and family capacities through research-based programming. This includes 4-H youth development, workforce readiness training, adult life skills workshops, and collaborative partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations. These initiatives aim to ensure that all residents, regardless of age or background, are equipped with the tools needed to thrive in today’s dynamic economic environment.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Improved quality of workforce

Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 

Increased meaningful social connections

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills

Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.

Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)

Initial Outcomes:

Improved employability and interpersonal skills

Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills.

Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families.

Evaluation:

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: 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: 2025-2026

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: 2025-2026

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Evaluation:

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