Hancock County CES

County Emphasis:

Leadership and Life Skill Development

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 3:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

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. 

 

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. 

 

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 them1. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future. 

 

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. 

County Situation:

Based on the 2024 Community Needs Assessment. Comments Filed regarding needs within the county included: 

 

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. 

 

Need for youth development programs including recreation and physical activities, mental health support, prevention of bullying, youth violence and programs targeting youth life skills. 

 

Practical education targeting community cohesion, engagement, and involvement; governance and responsible use of public funds and taxes; civics education, election education, election processes, and protection of constitutional rights; diversity, inclusion, and cultural understanding; etc. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations. 

• Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community. 

• Increased community pride or investment. 

• Improved local economy. 

• Improved quality of life for citizens. 

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

• 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. 

• Increased financial literacy skills.  

• Youth will make sound financial decisions.  

• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community 

• Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities.  

• Youth participation in community involvement increases. 

• Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Participants gain confidence to lead. 

• Leaders are inspired to get more involved. 

• Leaders address community issues and needs. 

• Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects. 

• Leaders mentor others. 

• Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions. 

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

• Youth will plan and implement a service project. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills. 

• Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community. 

• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills 

• 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:

• 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 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. 

• 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. 

• Developed skills related to workforce development. 

• Improved employability and interpersonal skills. 

• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies. 

• 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. 

• Improved employability and interpersonal skills. 

• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies 

• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development. 

• Increased knowledge of career pathways. 

• 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. 

• Improved skills related to nurturing parenting and caregiver support. 

Evaluation:

Outcome	Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills (intermediate)
Indicator	Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).
Method	Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews
Timeline	Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

 

Outcome	Increased applied leadership knowledge for individuals serving in formal leadership roles. (Initial)
Indicator	Number of people reporting improved applied leadership knowledge (e.g., governance, financial oversight, strategic planning) from participation in board, officer, or leadership training programs.
Method	Post-training surveys measuring knowledge gained in governance-related skills. Observation.
Timeline	Survey collected immediately after training; follow-up conducted at three and six months to assess knowledge application.

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	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).
Method	Qualtrics survey, Observation
Timeline	July 2025-2026

 

Outcome	Medium
Indicator	Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
Method	Review Resume
Timeline	Conclusion of program

 

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	Local Agricultural Participants
Project or Activity	Green River Agricultural Leadership Program
Content or Curriculum	Multiple sessions with local, state and federal governments
Inputs	Local, State, Federal Officials, Uk Specialist,
Date(s)	Fall 2025, Spring 2026

 

 

Audience	Local Farmers, Ag Lenders
Project or Activity	Farm Succession Seminar
Content or Curriculum	Provide tools needed to transfer enterprises to the nex generation
Inputs	Speakers, AG industry Sponsors, UK Economic Specialist
Date(s)	Fall 2025

 

 

Audience	4-H Teen Leadership Academy
Project or Activity	Monthly Meetings
Content or Curriculum	4-H Leadership, FCS, Workforce Prep, and Communication Curriculum
Inputs	Multiple Counties,
Date(s)	September 2025-April 2026

 

Audience	4-H Advanced Teen Leadership Academy
Project or Activity	Quarterly meetings
Content or Curriculum	Parliamentary Procedure, 4-H Leadership, FCS, Workforce Prep, and Communication Curriculum, Civic Engagement/Service Project
Inputs	Multiple Counties
Date(s)	September 2025-May 2026

 

Audience	4-H Rabbit Club
Project or Activity	Parliamentary Procedure
Content or Curriculum	4-H Agriculture Curriculum, Robert’s Rules of Order
Inputs	County Fairboard
Date(s)	July 2025-June 2026

 

Audience	4-H Rabbit Club, Afterschool Club, Homeschool Club, and Cloverbuds
Project or Activity	Speeches
Content or Curriculum	4-H Communications
Inputs	Club leaders
Date(s)	September 2025-April 2026

 

Audience	4-H Camp
Project or Activity	Camp Adult and Teen Volunteer Leaders
Content or Curriculum	4-H Camp Leader Training
Inputs	Ky 4-H Camp and State Office
Date(s)	July 2026

 

Audience	4-H Club Leaders and Certified Shooting Sports Coaches
Project or Activity	Club leaders/Shooting Sports Practices
Content or Curriculum	Ky 4-H Nearpod Training Videos, SSports Certifications and Nearpod Videos
Inputs	Ky 4-H
Date(s)	July 2025-June 2026

 

Evaluation:

Outcome	Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills (intermediate)
Indicator	Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).
Method	Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews
Timeline	Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

 

Outcome	Increased applied leadership knowledge for individuals serving in formal leadership roles. (Initial)
Indicator	Number of people reporting improved applied leadership knowledge (e.g., governance, financial oversight, strategic planning) from participation in board, officer, or leadership training programs.
Method	Post-training surveys measuring knowledge gained in governance-related skills. Observation.
Timeline	Survey collected immediately after training; follow-up conducted at three and six months to assess knowledge application.

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	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).
Method	Qualtrics survey, Observation
Timeline	July 2025-2026

 

Outcome	Medium
Indicator	Number of youth who developed a resume as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
Method	Review Resume
Timeline	Conclusion of program

 

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