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.
Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.
Crittenden County, a rural community in western Kentucky, faces many of the challenges that characterize much of the Commonwealth. With a population of just over 9,000 residents and a median household income below the state average, many families are navigating economic pressures that impact their long-term security and day-to-day stability. Employment opportunities are primarily concentrated in agriculture, education, healthcare, and a limited manufacturing sector. However, gaps remain in job readiness, workforce participation, and the soft skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy.
Local conversations with advisory councils, school leaders, community organizations, and residents confirm the need for robust work and life skill development. Employers across the county report difficulty finding workers with adequate communication, teamwork, and dependability. Likewise, adults and youth alike express interest in learning practical life skills such as financial literacy, basic job preparation, resume writing, and professional behavior in the workplace. These local concerns mirror the findings of the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, which ranked life skill development and job preparedness among the top priorities statewide.
Youth in Crittenden County are eager to contribute to their communities and plan for meaningful careers, but they often lack access to resources, mentors, and experiential learning opportunities. With Kentucky facing millions of unfilled jobs—many of which require new skills or digital fluency—Extension programming must evolve to meet these challenges. Local youth are particularly interested in learning about entrepreneurship, agriculture careers, skilled trades, and digital technology. The Crittenden County 4-H program plays a key role in meeting these needs by offering hands-on opportunities in leadership, public speaking, teamwork, and decision-making.
At the same time, families in Crittenden County continue to seek support systems that promote health, connection, and well-being across generations. Economic stress, rural isolation, and changing family dynamics have contributed to concerns about mental health, relationship skills, and emotional resilience. By supporting strong family networks and increasing youth engagement, the Cooperative Extension Service can help mitigate these stressors while promoting positive life outcomes.
Through targeted initiatives in family and youth development, work readiness, and life skills training, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension in Crittenden County aims to equip individuals with the tools they need to succeed at home, in the workplace, and in their communities. These programs will contribute directly to building a stronger, more adaptive, and resilient county for generations to come.
County Extension Council and program area councils have been involved in the development of program of works by completing needs assessments and communicating directly with agents verbally and in written surveys about the needs and issues facing the county.
Adult
Outcome: Developed skills related to workforce development (initial)
Indicator: Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
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 confidence to implement employability strategies (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participation.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Developed strategies for work-life management (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they learned strategies for managing their work-life responsibilities as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Implementation of employability strategies/skills (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of participants who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.
Outcome: Increased salary/income/employment (intermediate)
Indicator: (1) Number of participants who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach; (2) Number of participants who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach
Method: Documentation (direct report, repeated survey) or interviews
Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and project progress
Outcome: Increased practical skills in trades and craft-based industries (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants reporting gaining a new skill through hands-on instruction or workshops in trades or craft-based skills (e.g. woodworking, painting, metalworking, hand-building).
Method: Self-reported surveys collected immediately after workshop participation.
Timeline: Post-program survey administration with optional 6 months follow up to assess skill application
Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported they have used nurturing parenting and/or caregiving strategies to improve their skills
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation
Outcome: Increased intentions to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., spending more quality time together, engaging in meaningful talk) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported they intend/plan to increase time spent nurturing and/or caregiving.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)(intermediate)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual member.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time
Outcome: Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy communication, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. (intermediate)
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported they enhanced healthy relationships.
- Number of participants who reported that they extended any type of support to another parent, grandparent, older adult, or relative raising a child.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.
Youth
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
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 Employability Skills
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability; Preparing for Financial Success curriculum; publications, newsletters (e.g., MONEYWI$E); Job Club; podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Enhancing Essential Skills Through the Arts curriculum and lessons, Artist Studio Guide lessons, publications
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Parenting Education
Content or Curriculum: Active Parenting 4th ed., Parenting A Second Time Around, Parent Express Newsletter, Laughter in Marriage is a Must, Information releases and Publications, Am I Lying to My Child When I Say the Tooth Fairy is Real?; Navigating Trauma After a Natural Disaster; Understanding Suricide; Living with Loss: Self-Care and Managing Grief; Entertaining Little Ones; Pathways to Wellness: Navigating the people, places, and spaces that influence health; Inspiring Grandchildren to become Grand Cooks; Emergency Health Information Cards; Time Well Spent: Organizing Tips for Increased Productivity; In the Face of Natural Disaster Toolkit; Athletic Performance (Nutrition); Cook Together, Eat Together; Eating for Health; Faithful Families; Food Safety; Family Mealtime; Increasing Powerhouse Vegetables; Making Health Lifestyle Choices; Making the Most of Meals while Traveling; Maternal and Child Health; Vegetables for Wellness; Home is Where the Health Is; Piecing it Together: Essential Skills for Single Parent Families; How to Help Military Families; Feed Hungry Young Minds through Storybook Adventures; Life Story/Memory Banking; Understanding Risky Adolescent Behavior and Health Brain Development; Building Your Preschooler’s Financial Capacity; Traveling Light; Grandparent and Grandchildren Together; Parent Express; Keys to Great Parenting
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, Family Resource Youth Support Coordinators; Department of Community Based Services, health departments, non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, company health & wellness, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Caregiver Support
Content or Curriculum: Publications, Family Caregiver Health Bulletins, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Health and Wellness Ambassadors, Share Space Agreements, Health Coalitions, Be More, WIN, Health Partners, Bingocize, Walk Your Way, Families on the Move, County Walking Challenges; Nutrition for Older Adults, AARP Prepare to Care, In the Face of Disaster Toolkit; Living with Loss; Indoor Air Quality; Strong Bones for Life: Prevent Osteoporosis and Nourish Your Bones and Joints; Understanding and Coping with Farm Stress; Understanding Suicide; Savvy Online Grocery Shopping; Pathways to Wellness; Inspiring Grandchildren to Become Grand Cooks; Health Literacy for the Win; Tips for Managing Stress Eating; Estate Planning; Transferring Cherished Possessions; Emergency Health Information Cards; Time Well Spent; Consumer Protection; Scams; Masting Mindfulness; Eating for Health; Food as Health; Food Safety; Making Health Lifestyle Choices (Nutrition); Healthy Bladder Habits; Kick Kentucky Caner; Mental Health and Well-Being Series; Stand Up to Falling; The Mind/Body Connection; General Housing—Accessibility and Lighting; Keys to Embracing Aging; Mental Health Matters; How to Help Military Families; 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s; Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease; WITS Workout
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners; facilities, health coalitions, healthcare providers, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing/seasonal
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Kindergarten Readiness
Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Playdates, Understanding Disability, Information Releases, and Publications
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, HeadStart/daycare organizations, healthcare providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, Homemakers, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Communication/Relationships Across the Lifespan
Content or Curriculum: Pathways to Wellness, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Shared Space Agreements, Trail development, Active Community Toolkit, Be More Guide, resources for early care and education settings, food system work (e.g., farmers’ markets, backpack programs, community gardens), SNAP-Ed toolkit; Memory Banking/Life Story; Keys to Embracing Aging; AARP Prepare to Care; Kick Kentucky Cancer; Living with Loss; Mental Health Matters; In the Face of Disaster Toolkit; How to Help Military Families; Understanding Risky Adolescent Behavior and Healthy Brain Development; WITS Workout; Grandparents and Grandchildren Together.
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, health coalitions, Nutrition Education Program, local farms/growers/producers, key stakeholders, elected officials, Department of Transportation, employee health and wellness, schools, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: 4-Hers, 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, 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, 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
Adult
Outcome: Developed skills related to workforce development (initial)
Indicator: Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
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 confidence to implement employability strategies (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participation.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Developed strategies for work-life management (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they learned strategies for managing their work-life responsibilities as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Implementation of employability strategies/skills (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of participants who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.
Outcome: Increased salary/income/employment (intermediate)
Indicator: (1) Number of participants who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach; (2) Number of participants who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach
Method: Documentation (direct report, repeated survey) or interviews
Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and project progress
Outcome: Increased practical skills in trades and craft-based industries (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants reporting gaining a new skill through hands-on instruction or workshops in trades or craft-based skills (e.g. woodworking, painting, metalworking, hand-building).
Method: Self-reported surveys collected immediately after workshop participation.
Timeline: Post-program survey administration with optional 6 months follow up to assess skill application
Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported they have used nurturing parenting and/or caregiving strategies to improve their skills
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation
Outcome: Increased intentions to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., spending more quality time together, engaging in meaningful talk) (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported they intend/plan to increase time spent nurturing and/or caregiving.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Outcome: Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)(intermediate)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual member.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time
Outcome: Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy communication, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. (intermediate)
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported they enhanced healthy relationships.
- Number of participants who reported that they extended any type of support to another parent, grandparent, older adult, or relative raising a child.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.
Youth
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
