Bourbon County CES

County Emphasis:

Bourbon County Youth Development and Educational Programming

Concentration 1:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 2:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 3:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 4:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

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.

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.

Building Leadership Capacity:

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.

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment:

Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky woodlands and natural resources, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, 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. 

Kentucky is blessed with a rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, abundant waterways, and wildlife. With woodlands in each of the 120 counties and forest industries in 110 counties, Kentuckians in both rural and urban areas all derive benefits from woodlands. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state. Forests stimulate the Kentucky economy through employment and production to the tune of $13 billion annually and there are over 28,000 jobs in Kentucky’s forest sector. Forests provide recreational opportunities and are a powerful tool in efforts to promote sustainability and support native diversity. Wildlife management programs assist landowners through both urban and rural wildlife management and damage control initiatives.

However, Kentucky’s forests and natural areas face growing risks. Threats from climate change are increasing as evidenced by some of the warmest and wettest years on record during the past decade and Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts. Extreme weather events, such as the December 2021 tornado in Western Kentucky and the 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky are becoming more frequent and severe. In addition, a wide range of invasive species (including insects, pathogens, animals, and plants) can cause problems in woodlands, forests and other natural areas, threatening management and long-term sustainability. 

Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing adaptive management strategies for the critical issues facing the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests for today and in the future. Implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds is critical to the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources. 

Youth Focus 

Educating youth about natural resources and environmental sciences is crucial for our future, as it empowers them to become proactive stewards of our planet. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, addressing a significant gap in environmental knowledge revealed by surveys from the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. America’s prosperity is inseparably linked to the health of our environment. A healthy environment is an essential component of the quality of life of humans and all living organisms (USDA, 2024). Optimistically, the National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey found that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% see it as a problem-solving tool, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System’s 2023 assessment identified key priorities such as youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting natural resource literacy. Through 4-H projects in natural resources and environmental sciences, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources through various projects and programs.

County Situation:

Bourbon County is home to nearly 5,000 youth under the age of 19, representing a racially diverse population with a significant percentage identifying as Hispanic or multiracial. Approximately 12.1% of school-aged youth have a disability, and 235 children under 19 are uninsured, indicating ongoing barriers to healthcare access. The economic challenges faced by many families are reflected in a child poverty rate of 22.9%, with over 1,280 youth receiving SNAP benefits and more than 270 supported by WIC. Food insecurity affects an estimated 500 children in the county, compounding concerns about basic needs.

Schools in Bourbon County serve a high percentage of students considered economically disadvantaged and a growing number of English learners and migrant youth. During the 2022–2023 school year, over 500 behavioral incidents were reported, including violence, harassment, and substance use—suggesting the need for continued focus on social-emotional development, school climate, and mental health support. Homelessness among students remains a pressing concern, with 212 identified as experiencing housing instability.

Despite these challenges, opportunities for positive youth development are present. Nearly 500 students are enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and over 260 participate in dual credit coursework. However, the college-going rate for graduates remains below the state average, particularly among males and students from low-income households. This highlights the need for increased investment in college and career readiness programs, soft skills development, and mentorship.

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Bourbon County is uniquely positioned to address these needs through evidence-based youth development programming. By offering educational opportunities that build leadership, workforce readiness, life skills, and civic engagement—such as those provided through Kentucky 4-H—Extension can play a vital role in helping Bourbon County youth thrive in school, career, and community life.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Family and 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

Work and Life Skill Development:

• 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.

Building Leadership Capacity:

• 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. 

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment:

• Youth will advocate for natural resources in their communities.??? 
• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the natural resources community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.?? 
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced natural resources practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the natural resources community.? 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Family and 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,)

Work and Life Skill Development:

• 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.

Building Leadership Capacity:

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  
• Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment:

• Youth will take responsible action in natural resources conservation.?? 
• Youth will aspire to explore careers in natural resources and environmental sciences.?? 
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H natural resources projects and clubs.??? 
• Youth will communicate natural resources ideas and concepts more effectively.

Initial Outcomes:

Family and Youth Development:

• 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).

Work and Life Skill Development:

• 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.

Building Leadership Capacity:

• Youth will explore their spark in leadership. 
• 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.  
• Youth realize how their actions impact others.

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment:

• Youth will explore their spark in natural resources.??? 
• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in natural resources and environmental sciences.???? 
• Youth will understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Youth will set goals to become good stewards of natural resources.?? 
• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of natural resources.? 

Evaluation:

Family and Youth Development:

Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Work and Life Skill Development:

Outcome: Short term

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported learning new skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported 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 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. 

Method: Standard Evaluation 

Timeline: Immediately post program (6+ hours) 

Building Leadership Capacity:

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 

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment:

Outcome: Short? 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas. 
• Number of youth who reported that have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.? 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity 

Learning Opportunities:

Family and Youth Development:

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Parenting Education

Content or Curriculum: Active Parenting 4th ed., Parenting A Second Time Around, Parent Express Newsletter, Laughter in Marriage is a Must, Information releases and Publications, Am I Lying to My Child When I Say the Tooth Fairy is Real?; Navigating Trauma After a Natural Disaster; Understanding Suicide; Living with Loss: Self-Care and Managing Grief; Entertaining Little Ones; Pathways to Wellness: Navigating the people, places, and spaces that influence health; Inspiring Grandchildren to become Grand Cooks; Emergency Health Information Cards; Time Well Spent: Organizing Tips for Increased Productivity; In the Face of Natural Disaster Toolkit; Athletic Performance (Nutrition); Cook Together, Eat Together; Eating for Health; Faithful Families; Food Safety; Family Mealtime; Increasing Powerhouse Vegetables; Making Health Lifestyle Choices; Making the Most of Meals while Traveling; Maternal and Child Health; Vegetables for Wellness; Home is Where the Health Is; Piecing it Together: Essential Skills for Single Parent Families; How to Help Military Families; Feed Hungry Young Minds through Storybook Adventures; Life Story/Memory Banking; Understanding Risky Adolescent Behavior and Health Brain Development; Building Your Preschooler’s Financial Capacity; Traveling Light; Grandparent and Grandchildren Together; Parent Express; Keys to Great Parenting 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, Family Resource Youth Support Coordinators; Department of Community Based Services, health departments, non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, company health & wellness, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Work and Life Skill Development:

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communcation and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Family Consumer Sciences), 4-H Camp, Cloverbud, Volunteerism

Content or Curriculum: Approved Kentucky 4-H Curriculum by Core Program Area or Area of Interest

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders.

Dates: Program Year

Building Leadership Capacity:

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  

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment:

Audience: 4-H Members 

Project or Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports Program 

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Shooting Sports Training Curriculum? 

Inputs: 

• 4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.??? 
• Accredited volunteers in 4-H Shooting Sports.??? 
• Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.??? 
• Funding opportunities from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.??? 
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants.??? 
• Engagement of staff, volunteers and youth in delivering the program.

Dates: 4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)? 

Evaluation:

Family and Youth Development:

Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Work and Life Skill Development:

Outcome: Short term

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported learning new skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
• Number of youth who reported 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 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. 

Method: Standard Evaluation 

Timeline: Immediately post program (6+ hours) 

Building Leadership Capacity:

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 

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment:

Outcome: Short? 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas. 
• Number of youth who reported that have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.? 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity