Laurel County CES

County Emphasis:

Healthy Futures

Concentration 1:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 4:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

In Kentucky, 15 important issues were identified, including affordable healthy food access, reducing obesity through nutrition education, and addressing bullying and school violence. Substance use and addiction, particularly among young people, have worsened.

Kentucky's animal farming emphasizes sustainable practices and economic success, benefiting the state's agriculture. To support farmers, CES Extension plans to enhance educational programs and introduce new management techniques for efficiency and profitability.

Improving plant, crop, and forage production is crucial as farmers face economic challenges, changing weather, and evolving consumer needs.  Key issues include rising costs, fluctuating crop prices, soil health, and water management for high-yield crops.

Substance use and disorder have long been pressing social issues, but the public health burden has worsened. More community programming is needed to address the complex needs of Kentuckians who use drugs. Cooperative Extension county offices are uniquely positioned to work with transdisciplinary teams of specialists to support can support their holistic needs, including mental health, nutrition, and physical health.

 

County Situation:

Data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture indicates a notable shift in Laurel County's agricultural landscape. From 2017 to 2022, sales of field crops increased by $3 million, whereas livestock sales declined by $1.5 million. To maintain profitability, small farms are increasingly adopting more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable production methods. Extension services play a vital role by offering research-based educational programs, diagnostic testing, and additional resources to support farmers in optimizing their operations.

In Laurel County, 34% of adults report no leisure-time physical activity, and 69.6% have adequate access to physical activity locations, indicating both gaps and opportunities in active living access. Residents average 6 mentally unhealthy days per month, with 20% experiencing more than14 poor mental health days monthly according to countyhealthrankings.org.  These figures highlight critical needs for Extension programs that enhance physical activity opportunities and bolster mental health support in the community.

Youth Focused:

Laurel County youth face serious challenges. According to KY by the Numbers, nearly 25% live in poverty, and over 16% are food insecure. Youth are experiencing high rates of bullying, tobacco and drug use, and obesity. In the 2022-2023 school year alone, over 1,100 behavioral incidents required state-level intervention. These issues affect youth health and weaken our community’s future. Laurel County 4-H addresses these challenges through hands-on programs in nutrition, physical activity, and prevention, helping youth build confidence, learn healthy habits, and develop skills that protect them from risky behaviors. 

At the same time, Kentucky’s farms are shrinking. Producers are aging, and fewer young people are stepping in. We must grow the next generation of producers and leaders now. Through animal and plant science projects, Laurel County youth develop skills that prepare them for careers in agriculture. They learn to care for animals, grow food, and understand soil and farm systems. These hands-on programs teach responsibility, leadership, and business skills. They also help youth understand where their food comes from and how to feed their families and communities.

Through the Laurel County 4-H program, youth become better equipped to support their own well-being, growing strong in mind and body. Laurel County 4-H works to create a future where youth are not just surviving—but thriving. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Copy and paste from the provided logic models that correspond to the concentrations

• Decreased health disparity prevalence in Kentucky counties
• Kentucky 4-H members report decreased obesity
• Reduced youth substance use
• Reduced youth substance use disorder
• Increase the number of 4-Hers who pursue employment in the health and well-being field.
• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.

  •    Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators

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

• Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations. 
• Continual adoption of new technology and production practices.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive framework for disaster readiness and climate adaptation that includes advanced forecasting, crop selection, and management practices to prepare for extreme weather events.
• Reduced unnecessary pesticide exposure to farmers, agribusiness and the general public
• Increased farm productivity because of a reduction in yield and quality losses due to diseases
•  Strengthening local economies through improved farm sustainability and profitability, which are economic multipliers in local communities. Helping farm families successfully transition to subsequent generations. Helping new and beginning farmers enter farming operations. Helping to maintain or increase domestic markets and increase export markets for grain crops and tobacco by improving quality of commodities compared to that of foreign competitors.
• Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations. 
• Continual adoption of new technology and production practices.
• Reduced stigma related to adult substance use
• Increased availability and accessibility to community-based health resources
• Routinely meeting guidelines and recommendations for health behaviors that promote wellness and quality of life

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Increased organizational/site/community support for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health or safety issues
• 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.   
• 4-H members will increase physical activity. 
• Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.
• Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.
• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills. 

• Continue development and dissemination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by specialists and agents to educate producers and promote IPM practices and/or organic practices that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining crop health and production.
• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for agronomic and horticultural crops and forages suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions.
• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for agronomic and horticultural crops and forages suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions.
• Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices
• Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations.
• Continual adoption of new technology and production practices.
• Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.
• Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety

Initial Outcomes:

Copy and paste from the provided logic models that correspond to the concentrations

• Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.
• Youth will increase knowledge of general wellness practices.
• Youth will have increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).
• Youth will explore their spark in agriculture.
• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture
• Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life.
• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture. 
• Youth will have increased knowledge about substance use and its effects.
• Youth will have increased confidence in making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills).
• Enhanced soil and water management programs by rolling out targeted extension programs that focus on soil health and water management techniques to immediately improve crop yield potentials.
• Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and to understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation
• Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks
• Increase intentions to employ financially sound behavior regarding production methods, use of financial tools, health-focused care, and the human-animal interaction.

• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).
• Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects.
• Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.
• Increased awareness of community resources to support health-promoting behaviors.
• Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of a participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g. add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Early identification of potential disease outbreaks

Indicator: 

• Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with disease identification and management.
• Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.

Method: Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists

Timeline: Annual

 

Outcome: Improving forage and livestock management

Indicator: Number of participants that indicate high likelihood of implementation of improved forage and livestock management practices.

Method: Schools, workshops, conferences, and field days.  Information from these events will also be pushed out through KY Forages YouTube Channel and Master Grazer Facebook page.

Timeline: Programs are provided one or more times annually at multiple locations throughout Kentucky

Outcome: Increase in home and community gardening and environmental stewardship

Indicator: 

• Number of home or community gardeners who reported that they implemented environmental stewardship (pollinator gardens, rain catchment, etc.)
• Number of non-commercial growers who reported adoption of improved management practices (soil sampling, reduced pesticide applications, integrated pest management, etc.)
• Number of community members using or participating in public or community gardens
• Amount of produce donated from community gardens

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increase in Master Gardener Program participation

Indicator: 

• Number of Master Gardener volunteers who completed training
• Number of Master Gardener volunteer service hours
• Number of clients engaged by Master Gardeners
• Number of programs led by Master Gardeners

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve sheep production efficiency 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of best practices for managing/raising small ruminants. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: Immediately after program participation. 

Outcome: Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices 

Indicator: Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications 

Method: Post-program test 

Timeline: After program participation or online 

Outcome: Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At the program 

Outcome: Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills) (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming.
• Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).

Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (ST)
• Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC)

Youth Evaluation:

Outcome	Youth Short term (Health & Wellbeing)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community.  Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.   Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.  Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately after program/event (6+ hours)

 

Outcome	Youth Medium Term (Health & Wellbeing)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.    Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.   Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	End of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	Youth Long Term (Health & Wellbeing)
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	1+ Years

Outcome	Youth Short Term ( Animal Production and Management)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life.  Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production.  Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest.    Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately after the program/event (6+ hours)

 

Outcome	Youth Medium Term (Animal Production and Management)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions.  Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in animal production based on their interests.   Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or skills gained in animal production to complete a project.  Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices.
Method	4-H Stand Evaluation
Timeline	End of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	Youth Long Term (Animal Production & Management)
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	1+ Years

Outcome	Youth Short Term (Plant Production and Management)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives. Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management.  Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas. Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in plant production and management that fits their interest
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately after the program/event (6+ hours)

Outcome	Youth Medium Term (Plant Production and Management)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions.  Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project. Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in plant production based on their interests.
Method	4-H Stand Evaluation
Timeline	End of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	Youth Long Term (Plant Production & Management)
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	1+ Years

Outcome	Youth Short Term (Substance Use Prevention & Recovery)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter) Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately after program/event (6+ hours)

Outcome	Youth Medium Term (Substance Use Prevention & Recovery)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming. Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills. Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	End of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	Youth Long Term (Substance Use Prevention & Recovery)
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	1+ Years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Families & Individuals

Project or Activity: Physical Activity

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Health and wellness Ambassadors, Shared Space Agreements, Health Coalitions, WIN, Health Partners, Bingocize, Walk Your Way, Families on the Move, County Walking Challenges, Mindfulness Trails, Fit Tips, Hiking for Health

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 & Individuals

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Cook Wild Ky, Food as Health Toolkit, Recovery Garden Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, Holiday Cooking School

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organization, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health and wellness, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farms/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: Families & Individuals

Project or Activity: Physical, Environmental, and Occupational Safety

Content or Curriculum: Publications, presentations, trainings, demonstrations, In the Face of Disaster, Pest Control Short Course, Stop the Bleed, … … …

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, businesses, creative entrepreneurs, local farms/growers/producers, commodity groups, housing authorities

Date: Ongoing/seasonal

 

Audience: Pesticide applicators

Project or Activity: PSEP certification for private applicators and continuing education for commercial applicators

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery

Inputs: Extension staff, specialists, volunteers

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: Home owners and consumers

Project or Activity: Programming for home gardening and landscape management

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, emails and phone calls

Inputs: Extension Specialists, USDA funding, county agents, KDA, Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program

Date: Yearly

 

Audience: Agricultural stakeholders (producers, industry, others)

Project or Activity: Disease identification and management of horticulture and specialty crops. Crops include tree and berry fruits, hemp, field and high tunnel vegetables, greenhouse floriculture, landscapes and urban forests, and home horticulture

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Live and virtual trainings, online videos, workshops, field days, county meetings, regional and national meetings, field visits, emails and phone calls

Inputs: UK Plant Pathology Extension Specialists, research and extension funding

Date: Annual

 

Audience: Agricultural producers and the public

Project or Activity: Pest and disease identification

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnoses and trainings

Inputs: PSS extension specialists assistance to diagnostic labs diagnostic services

Date: Frequently throughout the year

 

Audience: Forage and livestock producers

Project or Activity: Grazing Schools, Fencing Schools, Statewide Grazing Conferences, Statewide Hay and Stored Forage Conferences, Regional Forage Tours, Novel Endophyte Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials including proceedings, manuals, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and on-line materials including webpages, social media, and videos.

Inputs: UK Forage Extension Specialists (2), UK Master Grazer Coordinator (1), UK Master Grazer Interns (2), UK Forage Technicians and Research Associates (4)

Date: Programs are provided one or more times annually at multiple locations throughout Kentucky

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Core Program Areas, which are delivered through 4-H clubs, school enrichment, workshops, camps, events, trips, and experiences.
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.
Date(s)	Program Year

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Emergency Preparedness Workshop
Content or Curriculum	The curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H, FEMA, and the Land Grant System. It focuses on topics such as types of disasters, creating a family emergency plan, practicing safety procedures, disaster recovery, and creating an emergency kit.
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 the Office of Emergency Management and local first responders.
Date(s)	Program Year

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	SNAP-Ed
Content or Curriculum	Professor Popcorn and approved SNAP-Ed youth curriculum.
Inputs	Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, schools and school staff.
Date(s)	Program Year

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of a participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g. add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Early identification of potential disease outbreaks

Indicator: 

• Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with disease identification and management.
• Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.

Method: Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists

Timeline: Annual

 

Outcome: Improving forage and livestock management

Indicator: Number of participants that indicate high likelihood of implementation of improved forage and livestock management practices.

Method: Schools, workshops, conferences, and field days.  Information from these events will also be pushed out through KY Forages YouTube Channel and Master Grazer Facebook page.

Timeline: Programs are provided one or more times annually at multiple locations throughout Kentucky

Outcome: Increase in home and community gardening and environmental stewardship

Indicator: 

• Number of home or community gardeners who reported that they implemented environmental stewardship (pollinator gardens, rain catchment, etc.)
• Number of non-commercial growers who reported adoption of improved management practices (soil sampling, reduced pesticide applications, integrated pest management, etc.)
• Number of community members using or participating in public or community gardens
• Amount of produce donated from community gardens

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increase in Master Gardener Program participation

Indicator: 

• Number of Master Gardener volunteers who completed training
• Number of Master Gardener volunteer service hours
• Number of clients engaged by Master Gardeners
• Number of programs led by Master Gardeners

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve sheep production efficiency 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of best practices for managing/raising small ruminants. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: Immediately after program participation. 

Outcome: Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices 

Indicator: Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications 

Method: Post-program test 

Timeline: After program participation or online 

Outcome: Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At the program 

Outcome: Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills) (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming.
• Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).

Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (ST)
• Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC)

Youth Evaluation:

Outcome	Youth Short term (Health & Wellbeing)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community.  Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.   Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.  Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately after program/event (6+ hours)

 

Outcome	Youth Medium Term (Health & Wellbeing)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.    Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.   Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	End of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	Youth Long Term (Health & Wellbeing)
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	1+ Years

Outcome	Youth Short Term ( Animal Production and Management)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life.  Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production.  Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest.    Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately after the program/event (6+ hours)

 

Outcome	Youth Medium Term (Animal Production and Management)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions.  Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in animal production based on their interests.   Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or skills gained in animal production to complete a project.  Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices.
Method	4-H Stand Evaluation
Timeline	End of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	Youth Long Term (Animal Production & Management)
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	1+ Years

Outcome	Youth Short Term (Plant Production and Management)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives. Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management.  Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas. Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in plant production and management that fits their interest
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately after the program/event (6+ hours)

Outcome	Youth Medium Term (Plant Production and Management)
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions.  Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project. Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in plant production based on their interests.
Method	4-H Stand Evaluation
Timeline	End of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	Youth Long Term (Plant Production & Management)
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	1+ Years

Outcome	Youth Short Term (Substance Use Prevention & Recovery)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter) Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately after program/event (6+ hours)

Outcome	Youth Medium Term (Substance Use Prevention & Recovery)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming. Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills. Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	End of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	Youth Long Term (Substance Use Prevention & Recovery)
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	4-H Standard Evaluation
Timeline	1+ Years