Breckinridge County CES

County Emphasis:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 3:

Work and Life Skill Development

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).

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:

With the UK Extension Community Assessment, Breckinridge County citizens identified building leadership capacity of nonprofits and community leaders as a top 15 need.  Also, preparations for community -wide disasters and building a stronger sense of community were identified as a high need.   Building the capacity of leaders within Breckinridge County is critical for the sustainability of the community’s rural, agriculture infrastructure, to solve local issues with active citizenship, and to develop a strong, healthy community. With limited industry and businesses many youth and adults travel outside the county for jobs and work force training. Through the efforts of the Extension staff and volunteers, local citizens are engaged, educated and empowered to understand community issues and take ownership of implementing local solutions that will support the strengthening of families and the county. The development of leadership contributes greatly to the positive development of young people and their communities. Leadership skills, such as goal setting, problem-solving and sound decision-making, are not just necessary for leaders-these skills are needed for success in today's world (MacNeil, 2000). Furthermore, helping people develop leadership competencies makes them better able to solve community problems and enhances their civic participation (O'Brien & Kohlmeier, 2003). Young leaders also demonstrate higher career aspirations, increased self-esteem, and improved high school completion rates (Bloomberg, Ganey, Alba, Quintero, & Alcantara, 2003). Through 4-H youth exercise critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate diversity, practice tolerance, develop socio-emotionally, and strive to contribute to their environment (United States Department of Education International Affairs Office of International Strategy). Breckinridge County Extension continues to expand and develop a leadership base to serve the community.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations

Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community

Youth participation in community involvement increases.  

Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.  

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants gain confidence to lead

Leaders mentor others

Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects

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

Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

Initial Outcomes:

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

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

Evaluation:

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

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

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

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: Short Term  

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: 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

Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

Content or Curriculum: EDEN materials, KHERN publications, trainings, continuing education

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience:  Local Farmers 

Project or Activity: Apply for leadership roles in the county

Content or Curriculum:  Work with CEDIK, KALP and CORE to train individuals

Inputs: State Leadership programs

Date: ON Going

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. 

Dates: On Going

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Teen Conference

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

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.

Dates: Summer  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Summit

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

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.

Dates: Fall 

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. 

Dates: Pre-Summer  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Achievement Program

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement. 

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. 

Dates: Throughout the year

Evaluation:

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

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

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

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: Short Term  

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At least a year from participation