Hart County CES

County Emphasis:

Workforce Preparedness and Leadership Development

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Building Leadership Capacity

Situation:

In today’s rapidly evolving world, individuals and families face increasing pressure to adapt to changes in the economy, workforce expectations, and community dynamics. In rural communities like Hart County, access to career development opportunities and leadership training is especially important to ensure youth and adults are prepared to succeed in a competitive job market and to take on active roles in civic life.

According to the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment (2023?), Youth life skill training opportunities(e.g. Leadership and communication skill building opportunities) Strengthening youth work force readiness(including entrepreneurship ,business development skills, etc.) remain top priorities statewide. Research from Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center indicates that 85% of job success is attributed to well-developed soft and interpersonal skills. Local employers and educators consistently report a need for workers who can communicate clearly, manage time effectively, solve problems, and demonstrate leadership.

Extension programs can bridge these gaps by providing youth and families with opportunities to build essential life skills such as public speaking, teamwork, decision-making, and financial literacy. Through leadership-focused programs like 4-H, Reality Store, and communication contests, young people learn how to set goals, manage resources, and take initiative—skills that are critical to personal success and community development.

County Situation:

The 2023 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment identifies critical priorities for both adults and youth in Hart County related to workforce readiness. For adults, strengthening workforce readiness, including entrepreneurship and business development skills, is a key area of focus. Local employers report a need for individuals who possess both technical skills and soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. In response, there is a growing demand for programs that equip adults with the tools needed to thrive in the modern workforce and as entrepreneurs.

Similarly, youth workforce readiness is a pressing concern. The development of life skills, including leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, and business development, are essential to prepare the next generation for future employment opportunities. Research shows that effective youth programs that focus on these areas not only increase employability but also help young people develop into confident, competent, and contributing adults.

Hart County faces unique challenges in addressing these needs, including a rapidly changing economy, the evolving job market, and a need for increased local job opportunities. Strengthening both adult and youth workforce readiness through targeted life skill training, entrepreneurship development, and leadership programs is crucial to creating a sustainable and economically viable community.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth Workforce Readiness
Youth will develop strong leadership and communication skills: Hart County youth will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles in local organizations, enhancing their ability to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems effectively.

Higher rates of youth employment and career exploration: With the implementation of workforce readiness programs, youth will gain valuable work experience through internships, job shadowing, and part-time employment, setting them up for successful careers post-graduation.

Youth will gain essential entrepreneurial skills: Through programs designed to foster entrepreneurship, youth in Hart County will develop skills that enable them to start their own businesses, contributing to the county’s economic diversification and resilience.

Youth will become active community leaders: As part of leadership development programs, youth in Hart County will gain the confidence and skills needed to lead community initiatives, volunteer organizations, and youth groups, positively impacting the social fabric of the community.

Increased engagement in higher education and workforce training: More Hart County youth will pursue higher education or technical training programs, improving the county’s overall educational attainment levels and preparing youth for successful careers in various sectors.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth Workforce Readiness
Youth will gain foundational leadership and communication skills: Youth in Hart County will learn and apply essential leadership and communication skills, enhancing their abilities to collaborate with peers and adults in a variety of settings.

Increased participation in career exploration programs: More youth will engage in career fairs, job shadowing, internships, and volunteer opportunities, allowing them to explore career paths and gain hands-on experience.

Youth will demonstrate improved teamwork and collaboration: Through youth programs, including 4-H, youth will develop their teamwork abilities, working effectively with peers on group projects, leadership activities, and community service efforts.

Youth will increase their entrepreneurial thinking: More youth will participate in programs designed to build entrepreneurial skills, including business planning, marketing, and financial management, setting the foundation for potential future businesses or innovation projects.

Youth will practice responsible decision-making: Youth in Hart County will learn about responsible decision-making, including setting personal goals, managing time effectively, and making informed choices about their education, careers, and personal lives.

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will identify key life skills for career success: Youth in Hart County will learn about key life skills—such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving—that are important for success in both school and the workforce.

Youth will demonstrate an understanding of different career paths: Youth will explore various career options and gain a basic understanding of the skills and education required for each, helping them start to plan their future career trajectory.

Youth will recognize the importance of education and training: Youth will understand how education, including high school and post-secondary options, plays a critical role in preparing for future employment opportunities.

Youth will express interest in developing entrepreneurial skills: Youth will become familiar with the concept of entrepreneurship and express interest in learning how to develop and run their own businesses.

Youth will identify goals for personal and professional development: Youth will set initial short- and long-term goals related to career exploration, education, and skill-building, helping them plan a pathway to workforce readiness.

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome:
Outcome: Increased confidence and ability to apply life skills to real-world scenarios, such as financial planning, communication, and leadership roles.

Indicator:

Number of youth who participate in public speaking or leadership opportunities (e.g., 4-H presentations, Talk Meet, or community club activities).

Number of youth who report feeling more confident in managing personal finances, making decisions, and assuming leadership roles in community or school settings.

Method:

Self-reported surveys to assess changes in confidence and skills.

Educator and leader observations of youth during leadership activities, presentations, and financial literacy programs.

Verbal feedback from youth and community members about leadership development.

Timeline:

Ongoing throughout the program year, with mid-year feedback and a final post-program survey (Spring 2026).

Long-term Outcome:
Outcome: Youth demonstrate strong leadership and employability skills, including the ability to engage in community service, effectively manage personal finances, and pursue careers in STEM-related fields.

Indicator:

Number of youth who take on leadership roles within 4-H or other community organizations (e.g., school clubs, youth boards, etc.).

Number of youth who express interest in pursuing STEM careers or entrepreneurship opportunities as a result of participation in related projects (e.g., SET programs, entrepreneurship training).

Number of youth who report a significant improvement in their ability to manage personal finances, make informed decisions, and navigate career paths.

Method:

Self-reported surveys and feedback forms regarding career interests and leadership roles.

Observation of youth participation in STEM activities, entrepreneurship projects, and leadership positions.

Follow-up surveys or interviews with youth participants after they have completed the program (1-2 years post-program).

Timeline:

Final evaluation survey in Spring 2026, with potential follow-up in 2027 to assess long-term impacts on career choice and financial stability.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H SET – Drone
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council, State Specialist, KSU Agents
Date: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026

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Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Rocketry Projects
Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Rocketry Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Leaders
Date: Spring 2026 – Summer 2026

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Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Demonstration
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Books
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: Spring 2026

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Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Talk Meet Contest
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Books
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: January 2026

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Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Reality Store Curriculum
Inputs: Hart County School System; Local Businesses, FRYSC
Date: Spring 2026

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Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Dollars & Sense
Content or Curriculum: Dollars & Sense Curriculum
Inputs: Hart County School System, Caverna School System, FRYSC
Date: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

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Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Character Counts
Content or Curriculum: Character Counts Curriculum
Inputs: Hart County School System
Date: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome:
Outcome: Increased confidence and ability to apply life skills to real-world scenarios, such as financial planning, communication, and leadership roles.

Indicator:

Number of youth who participate in public speaking or leadership opportunities (e.g., 4-H presentations, Talk Meet, or community club activities).

Number of youth who report feeling more confident in managing personal finances, making decisions, and assuming leadership roles in community or school settings.

Method:

Self-reported surveys to assess changes in confidence and skills.

Educator and leader observations of youth during leadership activities, presentations, and financial literacy programs.

Verbal feedback from youth and community members about leadership development.

Timeline:

Ongoing throughout the program year, with mid-year feedback and a final post-program survey (Spring 2026).

Long-term Outcome:
Outcome: Youth demonstrate strong leadership and employability skills, including the ability to engage in community service, effectively manage personal finances, and pursue careers in STEM-related fields.

Indicator:

Number of youth who take on leadership roles within 4-H or other community organizations (e.g., school clubs, youth boards, etc.).

Number of youth who express interest in pursuing STEM careers or entrepreneurship opportunities as a result of participation in related projects (e.g., SET programs, entrepreneurship training).

Number of youth who report a significant improvement in their ability to manage personal finances, make informed decisions, and navigate career paths.

Method:

Self-reported surveys and feedback forms regarding career interests and leadership roles.

Observation of youth participation in STEM activities, entrepreneurship projects, and leadership positions.

Follow-up surveys or interviews with youth participants after they have completed the program (1-2 years post-program).

Timeline:

Final evaluation survey in Spring 2026, with potential follow-up in 2027 to assess long-term impacts on career choice and financial stability.