Wayne County CES

County Emphasis:

Efforts that support local small businesses opportunities that promote a sense of local community

Concentration 1:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 3:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 4:

Work and Life Skill Development

Situation:

Kentucky’s communities face unique challenges that require enhancing connectivity and resilience through digital access, social cohesion, and well-designed public spaces. Broadband access remains critical, particularly in rural areas where digital connectivity gaps hinder economic and educational opportunities. The 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified improved broadband and digital literacy as top priorities for enhancing community resilience.

Extension’s connectivity and resilience efforts focus on supporting local economies and helping communities recover from economic shifts and natural disasters (CEDIK, 2024). By promoting digital literacy, educating on safe and vibrant outdoor spaces, and implementing place-based disaster preparedness programs, Extension strengthens community connections and economic sustainability. These initiatives benefit residents, businesses, and local governments, fostering stronger, more resilient communities equipped to face future challenges.

Youth Focus

In today’s rapidly evolving world, youth are and can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected and resilient communities. Young people are leveraging technology and social networks to foster strong, supportive relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. They are actively engaged in community-building activities, promoting access to opportunity, and driving change. By participating in local and global initiatives, they are not only enhancing their own resilience but also contributing to the overall strength and adaptability of their communities. Their innovative approaches to problem-solving and their commitment to sustainability are essential in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. As they continue to collaborate and share knowledge, youth are laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient world. 4-H is committed to providing the resources necessary to promote youth connection in their communities. Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). Communities that promote the indicators of youth thriving will have more connected, capable, and committed citizens that can critically think through addressing the needs and priorities of their community.

County Situation:

Wayne County, Kentucky, is actively fostering local and small business opportunities that contribute to a strong sense of community. Through collaborative efforts among local organizations, government agencies, and community members, the county is creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and community engagement.   Wayne County offers a small but stable consumer base. Wayne Tomorrow Strategic Plan (2017) identified entrepreneurship as a top priority—calling for youth programs, mentors, resource directories, and co-working space via Stourbridge Project.  Data shows a strong need for soft-skill development for youth and adults.  Wayne County already shows strong communal resilience and has been recognized as a “Bright Spot.” Strategic coordination, visibility, and targeted programming—especially around health education, youth engagement, and shared events—can further strengthen local pride and community bonds.

County advisory groups identified efforts that support local small businesses opportunities that promote a sense of local community as a top priority.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

• Increased digital access improves economic and educational opportunities.
• Communities recover faster from disasters/economic disruptions
• Sustained investment in public spaces strengthens local economies
• Cultural heritage is preserved and integrated into communities
• Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing
• Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement

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

• More citizens adopt digital tools for work and daily life.
• Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
• More public spaces are revitalized for community engagement.
• Increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs.
• More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups.
• New partnerships and networks address community challenges

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

• Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources.
• Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
• Greater awareness of the benefits of public spaces.
• Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity.
• Improved awareness of civic engagement opportunities.
• Greater knowledge of community partnerships and collaboration strategies

Youth

• 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:

Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.

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Outcome: Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported  increased understanding of the value of building local cultural assets such as foodways, arts, and heritage traditions.

Method: Reflection surveys and community feedback.

Timeline: Collected within 30 days of participation.

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Outcome: More individuals adopt digital tools for work and daily life (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of communities that reported implementing at least one new strategy to strengthen digital inclusion (e.g., improved public Wi-Fi, device access programs, digital literacy workshops) as a result of Extension-supported initiatives.

Method: Follow-up survey at 3 and 6 months.

Timeline: Collected at program completion and 6 months post-program.

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Outcome: Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (int)

Indicator: Number of businesses, farms, or households reporting faster post-disaster recovery due to preparedness actions learned through Extension.

Method: Post-disaster community case studies and resilience tracking.

Timeline: Assessed following disaster events.

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Outcome: More public spaces are revitalized for community engagement (int)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported that they contributed to efforts to improve public spaces through design, revitalization, or development (e.g., parks, community gathering areas, public art, creative placemaking projects) as a direct result of Extension-supported initiatives.

Method: Site visits, surveys, photo documentation, and community feedback.

Timeline: Tracked annually.

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Outcome: More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups (int)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased involvement in local governance, community groups, or public forums as a result of program participation.

Method: Participant self-reporting and organizational membership tracking.

Timeline: Follow-up at 6 and 12 months.

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Outcome: Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Indicator 1: Number of communities or organizations securing external funding (grants, sponsorships, or resource investments) as a result of Extension support.

Indicator 2: Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.

Method: grant tracking, partners surveys, local reports

Timeline: annually

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Outcome: increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs

Indicator: Number of participants in Extension arts or design-based community programs (e.g., story circles, murals, design charettes, creative placemaking) who reported increased connection or belonging.

Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation,

Timeline: after program participation

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Outcome:  Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement

Indicator:  Number of participants who reported experiencing stronger ties to their community as a result of participating in Extension arts programming with others.

Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation

Timeline: after program participation

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Outcome: Short Term 4-H Camp

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they take responsibility for their actions.   
• Number of youth who reported 4-H Camp improved their ability to manage their emotions. 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: End of Camp

Outcome: Short Term (4-H Expressive Arts)

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they understand that expressive arts include art, dance, music, and drama.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have interest in expressive arts.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Immediately post program

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Outcome: Medium Term (4-H Expressive Arts) 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they practiced or applied creative, artistic, or performance skills learned in 4-H in other areas of life. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills gained to complete a project or activity in expressive arts.

Method: Survey  

Timeline: End of Program Year 

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Outcome: Long Term (4-H Expressive Arts)

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: 1+ years 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

Content or Curriculum: EDEN materials, KHERN publications, trainings, continuing education

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

Date: Ongoing

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Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Building Connection in Communities

Content or Curriculum: SPARK! toolkit, Placemaking Toolkit, Community Design publications, Community Arts publications, CLD publications, Building Community Pop-Up Toolkit, Creative Community Projects toolkit, Community Mural toolkit, Story Circles, curriculum, trainings, continuing education, Civic Engagement publications, Coalition and Network building publications

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

Date: Ongoing

Audience: 4-Hers, Professional Staff, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Issues Conference 

Content or Curriculum: Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement. In addition to these sources are the vetted sources of 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: Fall  

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: Expressive Arts (Club/Group/Individual) 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Create Art Now, 4-H Get Started in Art, 4-H My Favorite Things, Elements of Design, 4-H Fiber Arts, 4-H Leathercraft, 4-H Photography (1,2,3), and 4-H Theatre Arts (1,2,3) 

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: Program Year 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H, the Land Grant System and American Camp Association.

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.  

Date: 4-H Program Year

Evaluation:

Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.

---

Outcome: Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity (short term)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported  increased understanding of the value of building local cultural assets such as foodways, arts, and heritage traditions.

Method: Reflection surveys and community feedback.

Timeline: Collected within 30 days of participation.

---

Outcome: More individuals adopt digital tools for work and daily life (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of communities that reported implementing at least one new strategy to strengthen digital inclusion (e.g., improved public Wi-Fi, device access programs, digital literacy workshops) as a result of Extension-supported initiatives.

Method: Follow-up survey at 3 and 6 months.

Timeline: Collected at program completion and 6 months post-program.

---

Outcome: Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (int)

Indicator: Number of businesses, farms, or households reporting faster post-disaster recovery due to preparedness actions learned through Extension.

Method: Post-disaster community case studies and resilience tracking.

Timeline: Assessed following disaster events.

---

Outcome: More public spaces are revitalized for community engagement (int)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported that they contributed to efforts to improve public spaces through design, revitalization, or development (e.g., parks, community gathering areas, public art, creative placemaking projects) as a direct result of Extension-supported initiatives.

Method: Site visits, surveys, photo documentation, and community feedback.

Timeline: Tracked annually.

---

Outcome: More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups (int)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased involvement in local governance, community groups, or public forums as a result of program participation.

Method: Participant self-reporting and organizational membership tracking.

Timeline: Follow-up at 6 and 12 months.

---

Outcome: Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

Indicator 1: Number of communities or organizations securing external funding (grants, sponsorships, or resource investments) as a result of Extension support.

Indicator 2: Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.

Method: grant tracking, partners surveys, local reports

Timeline: annually

---

Outcome: increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs

Indicator: Number of participants in Extension arts or design-based community programs (e.g., story circles, murals, design charettes, creative placemaking) who reported increased connection or belonging.

Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation,

Timeline: after program participation

---

Outcome:  Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement

Indicator:  Number of participants who reported experiencing stronger ties to their community as a result of participating in Extension arts programming with others.

Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation

Timeline: after program participation

---

Outcome: Short Term 4-H Camp

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they take responsibility for their actions.   
• Number of youth who reported 4-H Camp improved their ability to manage their emotions. 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: End of Camp

Outcome: Short Term (4-H Expressive Arts)

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they understand that expressive arts include art, dance, music, and drama.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have interest in expressive arts.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Immediately post program

---

Outcome: Medium Term (4-H Expressive Arts) 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they practiced or applied creative, artistic, or performance skills learned in 4-H in other areas of life. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills gained to complete a project or activity in expressive arts.

Method: Survey  

Timeline: End of Program Year 

---

Outcome: Long Term (4-H Expressive Arts)

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: 1+ years