Christian County CES

County Emphasis:

Consumer and Financial Education & Strenthening Workforce

Concentration 1:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 2:

Work and Life Skill Development

Situation:

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. 

 

Youth Focus 

 

In Kentucky, economic uncertainty due to job market fluctuations and agricultural shifts impacts youth through unstable family environments and limited resources. Hospitality, retail, and tourism generated over $10 billion in 2023, with job growth in culinary arts, tourism, and hobby industries. The unemployment rate increased by 4.7% from July 2023 to July 2024. According to the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023), priorities include building financial literacy and resource management skills, youth life skill training (e.g., leadership and communication), strengthening youth workforce readiness (e.g., entrepreneurship, business development), and engaging diverse and non-traditional youth audiences. America’s future relies on a ready workforce and engaged communities to tackle major challenges. Kentucky 4-H develops youth potential for lifelong success through essential skills in communication, leadership, and civic engagement. 80% of 4-Hers reported that 4-H helped them explore career options and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at, and 50% reported 4-H helped them with college decision-making. 4-H programs equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in their personal lives, family lives, and communities. 

 

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. 

County Situation:

According to the 2024 Kentucky Kids Count report, 26.3% of youth in Christian County reside in food-insecure households, highlighting a significant challenge to their overall well-being and development. Complementing this, data from Kentucky by the Numbers (2022) indicates that 22.7% of youth in the county—approximately 4,506 individuals—live below the federal poverty line. These socioeconomic indicators underscore the urgent need for targeted community-based interventions. In response, the Christian County Cooperative Extension Service, in collaboration with local advisory councils, will implement a series of financial literacy and workforce development programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the financial capabilities of both families and youth, fostering long-term economic resilience and improving quality of life across the community.

According to the 2023 UK Extension Community Needs Assessment, 20 percent of the respondents identified the following as a need in Christian County: education on workforce preparation and job readiness; basic skills training; job training including vocational and trade schools; business recruitment and economic development; support for the working class (e.g., transportation to work and childcare); need for living wage; etc.  In response to these identified needs the Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences is collaborating with a variety of community partners to grow established and develop new educational opportunities to the community.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adults: Increased Financial Literacy Skills 

Youth will make sound financial decisions 

Adult: Improved quality of workforce 

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 

 

 

 

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adults: Increased sound financial decision making 

Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills 

Increased access to community financial resources 

 

Youth:  

Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.    

Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being. 

 

Adult: Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills 

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. 

 

 

Initial Outcomes:

Adults: Improved financial literacy knowledge 

Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management.  

Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions. 

Adult: 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 

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. 

 

 

Evaluation:

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported learning  the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants”   Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting.   Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.
Method	Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline	Immediate Post program

 

Outcome	Short Term: Improved knowledge related to financial literacy concepts
Indicator	Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge of family finance and/or resource management concepts.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration

 

Outcome	Medium Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have identified one or more jobs that might be a good fit for them in Family Consumer Sciences.    Number of youth who reported that have taken steps to pursue gaining knowledge for a job in Family Consumer Sciences.    Number of youth who reported that they have practiced budgeting skills.    Number of youth who reported that they have practiced needs versus wants knowledge when making purchases on a budget. .   Number of youth who reported that they have included savings in their budget.
Method	Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline	End of program year

 

Outcome	Middle Term: Increased sound financial decision making (intermediate)
Indicator	Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (e.g., regarding credit, budgeting, savings, debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.).
Method	Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews
Timeline	Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

 

Outcome	Long Term
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline	1 or more years

Outcome	Short term  Developed skills related to workforce development
Indicator	Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration

 

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 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.
Method	Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately post program (6+ hours)

 

Outcome	Medium Term
Indicator	Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.    Number of youth who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.   Number of youth who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
Method	Survey
Timeline	End of Program Year

 

Outcome	Long Term
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	Survey or Interview
Timeline	1+ years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Reality Store
Content or Curriculum	It’s Your Reality
Inputs	4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.    Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects.   Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association   Clothing Volunteers   Four residential camping facilities.    Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.    Utilization of approved research-based curriculum.   Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.    Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.    Funding from local, state, and federal sources.    Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.    Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.
Date(s)	April Each Year

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference
Content or Curriculum	4-H Major Study of Emphasis    Money Habitudes    Building a Healthy Wealthy Future    Jump$tart: Reality Check    Money Smart    Building Your Financial Future
Inputs	4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.    Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects.   Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association   Clothing Volunteers   Four residential camping facilities.    Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.    Utilization of approved research-based curriculum.   Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.    Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.    Funding from local, state, and federal sources.    Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.    Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.
Date(s)	June Annual

 

Audience	High School Seniors
Project or Activity	Money Sense for Graduates
Content or Curriculum	Money Habitudes, Banking 101
Inputs	Partnerships, programmatic materials, volunteers
Date(s)	Annually- March

 

Audience	Individuals
Project or Activity	Money Sense
Content or Curriculum	Variety of Extension Curriculum, Topics Rotate Yearly
Inputs	Community partnerships, programmatic materials, sponsors
Date(s)	Annually- August

 

 

Audience	Individuals
Project or Activity	Life Simplified Podcast
Content or Curriculum	Variety of Extension Curriculum and Publications
Inputs	Podcasting tech, programmatic materials, editing software
Date(s)	Ongoing- Weekly

 

Audience	Individuals
Project or Activity	Homemakers and Jr. Homemakers Leadr Lessons
Content or Curriculum	Variety of extension curriclum
Inputs	Partnerships, programmatic materials, volunteers
Date(s)	Ongoing- Monthly

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Life and Work Readiness
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(s)	Program Year

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Resume, Cover Letter and Interview Skills Program
Content or Curriculum	Kentucky 4-H Work & Life Readiness Lessons, 4-H Build Your Future, Work Ready Life Skills, and Leap into Careers.
Inputs	These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. Focus is on Grades 8-12.
Date(s)	Program Year

 

Audience	Individuals
Project or Activity	Employability Skills
Content or Curriculum	Positive Employability
Inputs	Programmatic materials
Date(s)	Ongoing

 

Audience	Individuals
Project or Activity	Emotionally Intelligent Leadership
Content or Curriculum	Positive Employability, FCS Publications
Inputs	Programmatic materials, collaborations and partnerships
Date(s)	Annually

Evaluation:

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported learning  the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants”   Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting.   Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.
Method	Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline	Immediate Post program

 

Outcome	Short Term: Improved knowledge related to financial literacy concepts
Indicator	Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge of family finance and/or resource management concepts.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration

 

Outcome	Medium Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have identified one or more jobs that might be a good fit for them in Family Consumer Sciences.    Number of youth who reported that have taken steps to pursue gaining knowledge for a job in Family Consumer Sciences.    Number of youth who reported that they have practiced budgeting skills.    Number of youth who reported that they have practiced needs versus wants knowledge when making purchases on a budget. .   Number of youth who reported that they have included savings in their budget.
Method	Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline	End of program year

 

Outcome	Middle Term: Increased sound financial decision making (intermediate)
Indicator	Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (e.g., regarding credit, budgeting, savings, debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.).
Method	Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews
Timeline	Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

 

Outcome	Long Term
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline	1 or more years

Outcome	Short term  Developed skills related to workforce development
Indicator	Number of individuals who reported learning new skills to prepare or improved themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration

 

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 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.
Method	Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately post program (6+ hours)

 

Outcome	Medium Term
Indicator	Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.    Number of youth who gained an increase in salary/income as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.   Number of youth who gained new employment as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
Method	Survey
Timeline	End of Program Year

 

Outcome	Long Term
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	Survey or Interview
Timeline	1+ years