Nicholas County CES

County Emphasis:

Pathways to Success: Empowering Nicholas County Youth

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

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. Fast-growing jobs are in the fields of vocational education and higher education, as well as agriculture professionals, and digitally enabled roles, including e-commerce 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, and 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, our youth must be 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. 

 

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:

Nicholas County youth face growing challenges in preparing for successful transitions into adulthood, including entry into the workforce and achieving long-term financial security. With limited local employment opportunities and access to career readiness resources, many young people lack essential life skills, job preparation, and financial literacy needed to thrive in today’s economy. These gaps can lead to underemployment, economic instability, and a cycle of limited opportunity within the community.

Equipping youth with practical life skills, workforce readiness training, and a strong foundation in financial literacy is critical to strengthening individual success and promoting long-term economic well-being for Nicholas County. By investing in youth development, the community can help ensure a more skilled, confident, and financially secure future generation.

According to the Community Needs Assessment Survey, Nicholas Countians indicated a need for both strengthening youth workforce readiness and youth life skill training opportunities for youth. In addition to the results of the Community Needs Assessment conducted in 2024, the 2020 Census calculated the poverty rate for Nicholas County at 17.2%. Nicholas County CES wants to poise our youth to rise above poverty and become sufficient individuals to build a better Nicholas County. Comments gathered from the Community Needs Assessment Survey stated a need for education on workforce preparation and job readiness' basic skills training' job training including vocational and trade schools. Nicholas Countians expressed the need for programs targeting youth life skills, as well as household money management and budgeting that can equally apply to youth and adults. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

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.

Youth will have increased economic security

Youth will make sound financial decisions

Intermediate Outcomes:

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

Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being

Initial Outcomes:

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 aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

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: Short term  

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported learning  the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants” 
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting. 
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

 

Intermediate:

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: Medium Term 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified  one or more jobs that might be a good fit for them in Family Consumer Sciences.  
• Number of youth who reported that have taken steps to pursue gaining knowledge for a job in Family Consumer Sciences.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have practiced budgeting skills.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have practiced needs versus wants knowledge when making purchases on a budget. . 
• Number of youth who reported that they have included savings in their budget.  

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

 

 

Long-term Outcome:

 

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 Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communication and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and well-being, 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: 2025-2029

 

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: 2025-2029

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: 2025-2029

 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Consumer and Financial Education 

Content or Curriculum: Consumer Savvy

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 
• Clothing Volunteers 
• 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.

Date: September 1 – August 30 

 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Trades Academy Club

Content or Curriculum: Work Ready Life Skills and Beyond Ready Initiative

Inputs:

• Afterschool club that will focus on various trade skill options 
• Focus for 8-12th grades on: Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, HVAC, Welding, Masonry, Landscaping
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery 

Date: September 1 – August 30  

 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Next Level Life Club

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

Inputs: 

• After school club that will focus on both soft and life skills for participants 
• Focus on 8-12th graders
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery 

Date: September 1 – August 30  

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

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: Short term  

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported learning  the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants” 
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting. 
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

 

Intermediate:

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: Medium Term 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified  one or more jobs that might be a good fit for them in Family Consumer Sciences.  
• Number of youth who reported that have taken steps to pursue gaining knowledge for a job in Family Consumer Sciences.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have practiced budgeting skills.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have practiced needs versus wants knowledge when making purchases on a budget. . 
• Number of youth who reported that they have included savings in their budget.  

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

 

 

Long-term Outcome:

 

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey or Interview

Timeline: 1+ years