Allen County CES

County Emphasis:

Building Human Capital through Leadership

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

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:

In Allen County, the development of strong, community-based leadership is essential for fostering local innovation, collaboration, and long-term success across youth, civic, and organizational settings. As rural communities face increasingly complex challenges—from workforce development to educational attainment—effective leadership must go beyond traditional models. Research shows that leadership styles emphasizing collaboration, trust, and shared vision—such as those used in academic research and development environments—can significantly enhance collective creativity and innovation (Huang et al., 2023).

Locally, Extension leaders, educators, and community stakeholders have a vital role to play in modeling and building this kind of leadership. By creating environments where diverse voices are encouraged, decision-making is shared, and team members feel psychologically safe, Allen County can nurture the next generation of creative problem-solvers. Investing in leadership development for youth and adults alike—through 4-H programs, volunteer training, and community engagement efforts—can build a strong pipeline of leaders who are empowered to take initiative, lead with empathy, and collaborate effectively to address local issues.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

1. Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations
2. Increased community pride or investment

Youth 

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult

1. Participants gain confidence to lead
2. Increased community pride or investment

 Youth

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

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

1. Improved leadership skills
2. Leaders address community issues and needs

Youth

1. Youth will explore their spark in leadership.
2. Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  

Evaluation:

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (KEHA, Cattlemen's and Master Gardener programs (initial)

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

Method: Post participation survey 

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation, as well as 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: 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.

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 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

Learning Opportunities:

Audience :  Allen County Homemakers 

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 from KEHA leader lessons, training, and and volunteers from the community

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Allen County Adults 

Project or Activity: Supporting Citizen Engagement 

Content or Curriculum: Creating Welcoming Communities, Robert’s Rules Refresh, Youth & Adult Listening Sessions, KY Voter Education Resources, Engaging City Councils, Civic Engagement Through Voting, How To: Community Forums, BRADD Steering Committee meetings, & BRIGHT Coalition, Cattlemen and Master Gardener 

Inputs: Programmatic materials from FCS and AG, community partners, program volunteers 

Date: ongoing 

Audience: Adults and Youth in Allen County 

Project or Activity: Local & Small Business Support

- American Private Enterprise Systems Program 

- 4-H Afterschool Clubs: Cooking Club, Sewing Club, Livestock Club, Poultry Club, Horsin' Around Club, Shooting Sports Club, Arts Club, Teen Leadership Club, Science, Engineering & Technology Club, Outdoor Adventures Club, Wellness Warriors Club, Cloverbud Club, and Helping Hands Club

 Content or Curriculum: Small Business Roadmap, SBDC publications, Growing Our Own, CEDIK Vibrant Economies toolkit, Market Ready Producer Training, HMP training, 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, small businesses, Allen County Chamber, Allen County Schools, Junior Achievement of Southern KY 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

 Project or Activity: State 4-H Officer Program

 Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

 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.

 Dates: Throughout the program year

Audience: Youth  

 Project or Activity: Achievement Program

 Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

 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.

 Dates: Throughout the year

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Teen Conference

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

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.

Dates: Summer  

 

 

 Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Summit

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

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.

Dates: Spring

Evaluation:

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (KEHA, Cattlemen's and Master Gardener programs (initial)

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

Method: Post participation survey 

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation, as well as 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: 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.

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 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