Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
With Harrodsburg’s 250th anniversary right around the corner the Harrodsburg’s local Tree Board has been working tirelessly to beautify our community and help the environment. Trees are more than aesthetically pleasing. They combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen to provide crucial habitats for wildlife, trees offer a plethora of benefits. Their shade and canopy help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing energy consumption and improving air q
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Mercer County Farmers Market has been under the guidance of Mercer County Cooperative Extension for more than 20 years. In the past two years the market has seen an increase in membership and market participation. After much discussion the market voted to branch out on their own. This move comes as a testament to the market's growth and popularity within the community, as well as its increasing autonomy and confidence.The Mercer County Horticulture Agent connected the farmers marke
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: Communications
Middle school is a crucial period for youth development, marked by significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. Fostering leadership skills in middle school students is essential for preparing them for future challenges and responsibilities. Engaging them through interactive and enjoyable activities not only makes learning fun but also instills vital qualities such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.At this age, youth encounter numerous physical, cognitive, langua
Author: Dylan Gentry
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
The problem:Many youth in south central Kentucky involved in the justice system lack essential life skills and knowledge, including basic nutrition education. Without this knowledge, they may struggle to maintain a healthy diet, leading to potential long-term health issues.The educational program response:To address this issue, our youth court diversion program partnered with the Supplemental Nutrition Education Program (SNAP) to implement a comprehensive nutrition education curriculum. Particip
Author: Steven Musen
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Kentucky Ag. Development Fund,s County Ag. Investment Program (CAIP) cost-share program has been used to assist in the restructuring of Jessamine County Agriculture, helping to alleviate financial challenges caused by the loss of tobacco income and diversify the agriculture production base.The nine members of the Jessamine County Agriculture Development Board, in cooperation with the Jessamine County Extension ANR Agent, have worked hard to maximize the use of the KADF cost-share funds to ac
Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: Leadership
4-H Summit 2024James Patrick Allen: 4-H Extension SpecialistMiddle school is a crucial period for youth development, marked by significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. Fostering leadership skills in middle school students is essential for preparing them for future challenges and responsibilities. Engaging them through interactive and enjoyable activities not only makes learning fun but also instills vital qualities such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.At th
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
3 Wayne County Students went to Disney
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Fourth grade students at Wayne Co. Monticello Elem. lack understanding and practical knowledge of environmental education and its components. During the 2023-2024 school year teachers are focusing more on getting students to read on grade level than teaching environmental education concepts. Through support of the Wayne County/Monticello Elementary (WCME) Principal and the Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp and Education Center, 187 students and 23 teacher/staff from WCME received environmental education.
Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
Today’s youth will eventually enter the workforce and being prepared for that transition is crucial for their success. Employers are looking for quality applicants, with proper education or training, but also want individuals that have developed various skill sets. To prepare our youth and educate them about the skills necessary to have a successful career, Wayne County 4-H partnered with the JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) program at the Wayne County Area Technology Center
Author: Isaac Hilpp
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
The culinary arts sector in Kentucky is experiencing a significant boom, largely due to the steady rise in tourism within the state. The U.S. Department of Labor projects a career growth rate of 25-30% over the next five years, equating to about 18,000 new job openings each year for the rest of the decade. This trend creates a promising landscape for young individuals who are passionate about culinary careers, offering them a stable path with ample opportunities for advancement. The Culinary Cha
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs are designed to reach audiences across the lifespan. Many individuals in the 20-50 age range need the skills taught by Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents, but do not attend traditional programming due to other commitments, life phases, or real or perceived stigma. To reach these individuals, FCS agents in Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, and Livingston knew they must pivot and offer research-based in
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association (KEHA) is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education. As a grassroots organization, KEHA has a rich history of community involvement and service. KEHA members work closely with Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents to plan, provide, and attend leadership, volunteer, and educational opportunities. Yet, the mission of K
Author: Kelly Smith
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
In the heart of rural Russell County, Kentucky, lies a community deeply rooted in agriculture. With fields stretching as far as the eye can see and families relying on farming for their livelihoods, safety in this environment is paramount. Recognizing the importance of educating the next generation on farm safety practices, Russell County hosts an annual Farm Safety Day. This event brings together 250 eager students and 50 dedicated adult volunteers to learn, share, and cultivate a culture of sa
Author: Anna Meador
4-H Member, Dax Harper, combines his love for music with public speaking, as he demonstrates "The Basics of How to Play a Mandolin" in front of an audience.“Public speaking is a valuable skill that everyone needs and can last a lifetime.” - Senior 4-H Member, Ty JonesKentucky 4-H has built its foundation on teaching youth leadership, civic engagement and communications skills through 4-H. Through the 4-H Public Speaking project, youth practice the fo
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The 4-H team at KYSU facilitated their first 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat at the Rosenwald 4-H Youth Development Center. 4-H has worked heavily with first-generation 4-H participants from minority and limited resource audiences who have expressed interest in developing leadership and civic engagement skills. As a result, this retreat is a culmination of upcoming leadership programmatic efforts and a preparatory program for first-generation 4-Hers who have joined 4-H and will be representing KSU a
Author: Laura-Grace Vincent
The problemTo increase awareness of KY native Pawpaw tree, experience the unique flavor of the Pawpaw fruit, gain knowledge in cooking and the nutrition of Pawpaws, and learn best practices on growing Pawpaw trees. We also wanted to involve our EC Homemaker Clubs as a partner as a way to promote the Homemaker mission in our community and to try to increase membership.The educational program responseOverwhelming positive response to this program. It was fun, educational and hands-on and a great v
Author: Ralph Hance
Chick embryology inspires a child’s natural curiosity about living things. The embryology project also conforms to the Kentucky Department of Education and National Science Standards competencies. The Trimble County Cooperative Agents for Agriculture and 4-H responded to a request from a Bedford Elementary School kindergarten teacher for assistance with this project in 2013. Agents conducted the program and provided leader materials and supplies for the project in which more than sixty kin