Green County CES

County Emphasis:

Increasing opportunities for leadership development for all Green County residents to instill a mindset of community engagement to help our community grow.

Concentration 1:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 2:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 3:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 4:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

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.

County Situation:

Green County residents have shown interest in increasing the leadership opportunities throughout our community. According to CEDIK, the number of farms in Green County have decreased by 10.2% with a total of 902 farms in Green County (2022).  

 

The 2023 Green County Community Needs Assessment listed the following statements as needs/priorities for Green County residents. 

-Youth life skill training opportunities (e.g. leadership and communication skills building opportunities) 

-Preparing community members for formal/informal leadership and/or volunteer roles 

-Building the capacity of local nonprofits and community leaders 

-Assisting farmers in agricultural production and profitability 

 

To meet these leadership needs, Green County Extension Service will provide leadership training opportunities for both youth and adults in relation to 4H Summer Camp, encourage Green County Homemakers to participate in programs such as Lesson Leader Trainings monthly, Leadership Academy with KEHA, Officer trainings, and so much more. Educational publications will be provided throughout the year to different community organizations and events about leadership within Green County such as crop management and production, how to become an informed citizen and so much more.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

• 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
• Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected.

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. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult

• 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
• Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies. 

Youth

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

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

• 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
• Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners. 

Youth

• 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

Evaluation:

YOUTH: 

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  

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Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At end of Club/Program Year  

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Outcome: Long Term

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At least a year from participation

ADULT:

Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation

Outcome: Increased participation in leadership roles by first-time leaders. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people taking on a leadership role for the first time as a result of Extension leadership programs.

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership involvement); follow-up evaluation with community partners.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion and follow up evaluation conducted at six months.

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

Outcome: Increased community pride (long-term)

Indicator: Number of participants reporting a stronger sense of pride, identity, or community investment after engaging in Extension initiatives.

Method: Photos, documentation, post-program survey; follow up.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conduced at 3 and 6 months.

Outcome: Medium Term (Civic Education/Global Education) 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they used the skills learned  to plan and facilitate a service project. 
• Number of youth who reported that they can communicate to others an aspect of their own culture.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can explain one responsibility they have as a citizen.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: End of Program Year

 

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops 

Indicators: 

• Number of producers who reported increased yield.  
• Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers. 
• Number of producers who reported improved produce quality. 
• Number of trained volunteers.
• Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
• Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
• Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.

Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA)

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Leadership Academy, Homemakers Leader Lessons, Publications, Newsletters/News & Notes, Officer/Chairman training materials, KEHA State Meeting, various other resources and materials

Inputs: Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profits, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)

Content or Curriculum: KELD curriculum (e.g., Learning styles, communication essentials, teamwork, dealing with conflict, generational differences, SWOT analysis, etc.), Publications, other materials and expertise

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program (KALP)

Content or Curriculum: KALP curriculum, Publications, other materials and expertise

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, external evaluators, community partners, volunteers, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Supporting Citizen Engagement

Content or Curriculum: Creating Welcoming Communities, Becoming an Informed Citizen, Robert’s Rules Refresh, Youth & Adult Listening Sessions, KY Voter Education Resources, Engaging City Councils, Civic Engagement Through Voting, How To: Community Forums

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

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  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Summit

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: Fall 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H State Teen Council, Leadership Boards and Task Forces 

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: Throughout the Program year

 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor Training (Teens) 

Content or Curriculum: Content in the Camp Volunteer Training Guide is sourced from the American Camp Association best practices and focuses on developmental needs of campers, safety considerations, operating procedures, age-appropriate behavior management, and camper supervision techniques.

Inputs: These trainings are supported by the research base of the American Camp Association with materials provided by the 4-H State Office, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and led by County Extension Staff responsible for 4-H Camp. 

Dates: Pre-Summer 

Audience: 4-Hers, Professional Staff, & Clientele

Project or Activity: 4-H Capitol Experience

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, civic engagement, and service. In addition to these sources are the vetted sources of 4-H Capitol Experience Handbook and Facilitator Guide, iCivics.org, CommonSense.org, and PBS Learning Media. 

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.

Date: Winter 

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Supporting Citizen Engagement

Content or Curriculum: Creating Welcoming Communities, Becoming an Informed Citizen, Robert’s Rules Refresh, Youth & Adult Listening Sessions, KY Voter Education Resources, Engaging City Councils, Civic Engagement Through Voting, How To: Community Forums

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Achievement Program

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: Throughout the year

Audience: Specialty Crop Growers 

Project or Activity: Programming for commercial or pre-commercial (training to be commercial growers) specialty crop production and management 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, governmental agencies (NRCS, FSA, etc.) 

Dates: Winter

Evaluation:

YOUTH: 

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  

---

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At end of Club/Program Year  

---

Outcome: Long Term

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At least a year from participation

ADULT:

Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation

Outcome: Increased participation in leadership roles by first-time leaders. (initial)

Indicator: Number of people taking on a leadership role for the first time as a result of Extension leadership programs.

Method: Post-participation survey (self-reported leadership involvement); follow-up evaluation with community partners.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion and follow up evaluation conducted at six months.

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Outcome: Increased confidence to lead. (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of people reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities. 

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains); monitoring changes in local and state leadership positions.

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

Outcome: Increased community pride (long-term)

Indicator: Number of participants reporting a stronger sense of pride, identity, or community investment after engaging in Extension initiatives.

Method: Photos, documentation, post-program survey; follow up.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conduced at 3 and 6 months.

Outcome: Medium Term (Civic Education/Global Education) 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they used the skills learned  to plan and facilitate a service project. 
• Number of youth who reported that they can communicate to others an aspect of their own culture.  
• Number of youth who reported that they can explain one responsibility they have as a citizen.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: End of Program Year

 

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops 

Indicators: 

• Number of producers who reported increased yield.  
• Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers. 
• Number of producers who reported improved produce quality. 
• Number of trained volunteers.
• Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
• Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
• Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.

Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing