Knox County CES

County Emphasis:

Building a Sustainable Community

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 3:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

Building skills and leadership potential is vital in our community. 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).  

Skill development is also an important part of leadership. 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 youth 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.

Ensuring the sustainability of our Knox County woodlands and natural resources, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs is important in building a sustainable community but faces many challenges. Many landowners struggle to implement sustainable practices due to economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and workforce. The situation is exacerbated by development and the increasing demand for food, which often leads to the overuse of land and water resources, contributing to soil degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity.

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 Knox County, 33.1% of households live in poverty. Approximately 17% of our Knox County has a Bachelor's degree. Skill development is essential building a stronger community and preserving the community we have.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community 

Increased human capital among Kentuckians

Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future

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

Economic, social, physical, or environmental situations that will change because individuals or communities adopted new (or improved existing) actions, practices, and behaviors (these also take time to mature)).

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants gain confidence to lead

Increased salary/income

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

Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

New or improved practices, behaviors, or choices that will occur in participants or communities because of the knowledge or awareness they gained from their contact with Extension (these are behavior change outcomes that are typically measured in follow-up evaluations because they require time to mature.

Initial Outcomes:

Improved leadership skills

Developed skills related to workforce development

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

Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development

increase the awareness of sustainable forest management practices, economic pressures and technological barriers facing producers

Evaluation:

Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)

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

Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after 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: Initial  

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: Number of commercial growers who reported improved specialty crop production and/or management practices. 

Method: Survey

Timeline: At end of production

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: 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.

Dates: 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); Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; publications

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

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: Program Year

Audience: Youth  

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

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. 

Dates: Pre-Summer  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership and Communication Programs

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. 

Dates: Program Year (September 1 - August 31)

Audience: Loggers 

Project or Activity: Master Logger Program 

Content or Curriculum: Master Logger Curriculum 

Inputs: Coordination with Kentucky Master Logger Program, Michael Ammerman and Beth Williams 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Farmers/Producers

Activity: Ag Producer Meetings / Educational sessions/ farm visits

Content/Curriculum: Information on production and management of livestock, forages and commercial crops. Information on promotion and advancement of agri-tourism opportunities.

Date:  Fall/Spring

Audience: Commercial growers

Project or Activity: Educational programs, demonstrations, field days, soil testing, farmers market

Content or Curriculum: Horticulture publication, Agriculture publications, educational meetings

Inputs: UK, KSU specialist, publications, research trials

Date: Spring/Summer/Fall

Evaluation:

Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)

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

Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after 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: Initial  

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: Number of commercial growers who reported improved specialty crop production and/or management practices. 

Method: Survey

Timeline: At end of production

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