Todd County CES

County Emphasis:

Enhance Life Skills for Adults and Youth

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 3:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

Work and Life Skill Development 

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 

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. 

 

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being  

A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support. 

 In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state. 

 

 

 

County Situation:

All youth, individuals and families in Todd County need to enhance their economic opportunities and quality of life by learning how to further obtain and use the resources at their disposal, including money, time, human capital, material resources and community services.  

4-H programs utilize the 4-H Thriving Model as a theory of change to guide positive youth development (PYD). By creating high-quality settings that foster belonging, meaningful relationships, and personal growth, these programs intentionally cultivate key social, emotional, and behavioral skills. As a result, youth develop critical habits of mind and achieve both short-term developmental outcomes—such as academic motivation, social competence, and leadership—and long-term success in career, civic life, and overall well-being. 

 The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent life skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. Using age appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communication & Expressive Arts Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006) Research also shows a positive association between arts participation and a number of desirable academic and social outcomes, such as school grades, test scores, enrollment in post-secondary education, attainment of a bachelor’s degree, and higher levels of literacy and civic engagement. (Child Trends, 2012) Kentucky 4-H provides communication and expressive arts by engaging youth in hands-on educational experiences that inspire confidence and foster a love for the arts. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of public speaking, visual arts, and performing arts. 

 

Adults 

As of April 2025, Todd County, Kentucky, is experiencing a period of economic growth, characterized by low unemployment, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and a strong manufacturing presence. Todd County's unemployment rate stood at 3.8% in October 2024, aligning closely with the national average of 6.0%. While the county saw a slight decline of 1.8% in job growth over the past year, future projections indicate a 28.4% increase in job opportunities over the next decade, slightly below the U.S. average of 33.5%.  The median household income in Todd County is $54,823, which is below the U.S. average of $69,021. The average per capita income is $26,359, compared to the national average of $37,638.  

Todd County has been recognized for its manufacturing strength, with 22.5% of the workforce employed in this sector, significantly higher than the national average of 10%.  In 2023, Todd County was ranked 5th nationally by Site Selection Magazine for economic development activity per capita, based on projects with $375 million in investments and more than 200 new jobs. In April 2024, state legislators secured nearly $11 million for various infrastructure projects in Todd County, including road upgrades and wastewater treatment improvements, aimed at supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life. As of December 2024, Todd County's median listing home price was $275,000, with the county currently experiencing a seller's market.  

Todd County's economic outlook is positive, bolstered by strategic investments in infrastructure and a robust manufacturing sector. While income levels are below the national average, the county's low unemployment rate and recognition for economic development suggest a trajectory toward sustained growth and improved quality of life for its residents. 

Going along with the current economic situation, the Community Assessment showed the following items as important for Todd County adults: Building financial literacy and/or resource management skills, building employee soft skills (e.g. communication, productivity, and teamwork skills), and building life skills of community members

 

 

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth 

• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
• Youth participation in community involvement increases. 
• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community. 
• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.
• Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities. 
• Improve their academic standing and job readiness skills that will lead to gainful employment. 
• Increase practical living skills and make more effective decisions 
• Become a contributing member of society. 

 Adult Long-term Outcomes 

• Increased human capital among Kentuckians 
• Decrease in state unemployment rates 
• Improved quality of workforce 
• Increased financial literacy skills 
• Improved financial security and stability 
• Improved financial and economic well-being 

 FCS Family & Youth Development 

• Increased meaningful social connections 
• Increased support network 
• Increased kindergarten readiness rates in the county and state 
• Increased caregiver preparation 
• Improved quality of family life

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth 

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills. 
• Youth will plan and implement a service project. 
• Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community. 
• Practice communication and team work skills among peers. 
• Develop thoughts and present them orally and effectively to a group in the communications contest. 
• Safely operate and maintain a camera, firearm or other equipment with mastery 
• Gain confidence in front of a group. 
• Balance a check book. 
• Save money and decrease debt. 
• Interview for a position and prepare a resume. 
• Prepare a 4-H project such as foods, dog, clothing, wood, etc. 
• Communicate positively with their parent(s)/family more frequently.
• Practice disaster preparedness and prevention techniques in the event of a disaster.

 

Adult Medium-term Outcomes 

• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills 
• Increased salary/income 
• Increased employment 
• Increased sound financial decision making 
• Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills 
• Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources) 
• Increased access to community financial resources 

 

Family & Consumer Sciences Family & Youth Development 

• Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. 
• Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,) 

Initial Outcomes:

Youth 

• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development. 
• Increased knowledge of career pathways. 
• Increased knowledge of educational, training, and certification opportunities. 
• Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills. 
• Acquire study skills and memorization techniques. 
• Learn how to communicate effectively, make informed and effective decisions.
• Learn how to be responsible for oneself away from home (managing money and resources).
• Learn how to exhibit self-confidence in front of a crowd.
• Learn how to research a topic and present it to a group of peers, family, etc.
• Learn life skills (cooking, sewing, budgeting, managing, and working, etc.). 

 

Adult Short-term Outcomes 

Strengthening work and life skills, including but not limited to, developing workforce development skills, employability and interpersonal skills, and work-life management strategies.  

• Developed skills related to workforce development 
• Improved employability and interpersonal skills 
• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies 
• Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance  

Strengthening financial literacy and well-being, including but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc. 

• Improved financial literacy knowledge 
• Improved employability and interpersonal skills 
• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies 
• Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance 

Strengthening family behaviors include, but are not limited to, spending time together, creating safe environments, engaging in positive communication, building supportive networks, showing appreciation, healthy stress management, engaging in regular selfcare, and adopting a positive outlook. 

• Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiving across the life span. 
• Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families. 
• Increased confidence making decisions related to parenting and caregiving. 
• Increased confidence and motivation to reduce loneliness and social isolation. 
• Improved skills related to nurturing parenting and caregiver support 
• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living). 

 

Evaluation:

YOUTH

Initial Outcome: 

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. 

ADULT:

Initial Outcomes: Increased practical skills in trades and craft-based industries and developed skills related to money management

Indicator:  Number of participants reporting gaining a new skill through hands-on instruction or workshops in trades or craft-based skills; number of individuals who reported learning new money management skills

Method:  Self-reported surveys collected immediately after workshop participation.

Timeline:  Post-program survey administration with optional 

Intermediate Outcomes:  Participants practice practical skills in trades and craft-based industries and  skills related to money management

Indicator:  Number of individuals who practice skills in trades and craft-based industries as well as money management skills

Method:   Follow-up to assess skill application.

Timeline:  6 month survey administration

Long-term Outcomes:  Participants reduce debt and secure financial independence

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reduce debt and secure financial independence

Method:   self-report or observation

Timeline:  Long-term

Learning Opportunities:

YOUTH

Audience:  4-H'ers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity:  4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communication and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Well-Being, and Family Consumer Sciences), 4-H Camp, Cloverbuds, 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.

Date:  Program year, September - August

Audience:  Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity:  4-H Entrepreneur Camp and Down to Business Day (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.

Date:  Fall and Spring

ADULT

Audience:  Extension Homemakers, Public

Project or Activity:  Stretching Your Dollar:  What To Do When the "Ends" Don't Meet

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Date:  June 2026

Audience:  Junior Homemakers

Project or Activity:  Quarterly meetings with life skill activities

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Date:  September, November, January, March

Audience:  Extension Homemakers, Adults

Project or Activity:  Life Skill Meetings

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Date:  Quarterly

Audience:  FCS/4-H Homeschool Group

Project or Activity:  Skill development at monthly meetings

Content or Curriculum:  FCS

Inputs:  Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, homemaker members

Dates:  Monthly, September - April

Evaluation:

YOUTH

Initial Outcome: 

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. 

ADULT:

Initial Outcomes: Increased practical skills in trades and craft-based industries and developed skills related to money management

Indicator:  Number of participants reporting gaining a new skill through hands-on instruction or workshops in trades or craft-based skills; number of individuals who reported learning new money management skills

Method:  Self-reported surveys collected immediately after workshop participation.

Timeline:  Post-program survey administration with optional 

Intermediate Outcomes:  Participants practice practical skills in trades and craft-based industries and  skills related to money management

Indicator:  Number of individuals who practice skills in trades and craft-based industries as well as money management skills

Method:   Follow-up to assess skill application.

Timeline:  6 month survey administration

Long-term Outcomes:  Participants reduce debt and secure financial independence

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reduce debt and secure financial independence

Method:   self-report or observation

Timeline:  Long-term