Owsley County CES

County Emphasis:

Leadership and Workforce Preparation

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).   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 Owsley County, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment identified building leadership capacity as one of the top three priorities for both adult and youth programming. This reflects a broader challenge faced by many rural communities: the need for individuals prepared to step into leadership roles at all levels—formal and informal—in order to support community vitality and development (CEDIK, 2024). Despite the need, identifying and empowering new leaders remains difficult without intentional leadership development efforts.

In response, the local Extension office began developing programs focused on strengthening leadership skills, boosting confidence, and preparing individuals for both volunteer and leadership roles. Advisory councils played a critical role in the development of this program by reviewing assessment data, confirming leadership development as a strategic priority, and offering community-based insights to ensure programming was locally relevant and impactful. Their involvement helped tailor efforts to meet the unique needs of both emerging youth leaders and adult volunteers in Owsley County.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adults 

*Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations

*Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community

*Increased community pride or investment

*Improved local economy

*Improved quality of life for citizens

 

Youth 

*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. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adults 

*Participants gain confidence to lead

*Leaders are inspired to get more involved

*Leaders address community issues and needs

*Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects

*Leaders mentor others

*Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions

 

Youth 

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

*Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

Initial Outcomes:

Adults 

*Improved leadership skills

*Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices

*Knowledge gained through training programs

*Taking on leadership roles for the first time

*Assuming new leadership roles

*Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles

 

Youth 

*Youth will explore their spark in leadership. 

*Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  

*Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.  

*Youth realize how their actions impact others

Evaluation:

Adult: 

Initial Outcome: Improved leadership skills 

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

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains) 

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation 

Intermediate Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. 

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

Long-term Outcome: Engage leaders in local coalitions and organizations. 

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 on coalitions and organizations. 

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months. 

Youth: 

Initial Outcome: 

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 

Intermediate Outcome: 

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 

Long-term Outcome: 

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: 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.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals 

Project or Activity: Master Clothing Volunteers (MCV) 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, MCV Training, continuing education/content experts 

Inputs: programming materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, agents, Homemakers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership 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. 

Inputs: In school clubs for middle and high school, after school clubs for teens, area ten councils, Middle school leadership clubs, and civic engagement opportunities. 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. 

Date: Fall 2026-27 School Year 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor Training (Teens) 

Content or Curriculum: Content in the Camp Volunteer Training Guide is sourced from the American Camp Association best practices and focuses on developmental needs of campers, safety considerations, operating procedures, age-appropriate behavior management, and camper supervision techniques.

Inputs: These trainings are supported by the research base of the American Camp Association with materials provided by the 4-H State Office, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and led by County Extension Staff responsible for 4-H Camp. 

Date: Pre-summer

Evaluation:

Adult: 

Initial Outcome: Improved leadership skills 

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

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains) 

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation 

Intermediate Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. 

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

Long-term Outcome: Engage leaders in local coalitions and organizations. 

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 on coalitions and organizations. 

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months. 

Youth: 

Initial Outcome: 

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 

Intermediate Outcome: 

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 

Long-term Outcome: 

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

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At least a year from participation