Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

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Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Cooperative Extension Service

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Impacts

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Fiscal Year: 2025

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Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Stitching Together Skills and Heritage

Author: Hazel Jackson

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

A unique partnership between Rockcastle County Schools and Rockcastle County Cooperative Extension gave a group of 8th grade gifted and talented students the opportunity to blend creativity, culture and hands-on learning - onestitch at a time.Over the course of 5 months, 28  students took on the challenge of sewing their own quilts. The students weretaught each step by 4-H agent, Alyssa Cox and FCS agent, Hazel Jackson.  What started as a strips of fabric quickly transformed

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2025 Reality Store Financial Simulation Event

Author: Calyn Colston

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Describe the Issue or Situation:A significant number of families in Calloway County, Kentucky, live below the poverty line—a condition often tied to a lack of financial education and poor money management skills. Youth in the area are particularly vulnerable, as many lack real-world exposure to budgeting, managing expenses, and understanding the financial impact of career and lifestyle decisions. Without early intervention, these youth risk entering adulthood without the skills needed to a

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4-H Economics

Author: Lora Stewart

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

The Gallatin County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Agent, Lora Stewart collaborated with the Gallatin County Upper Elementary Librarian and the 5th grade teachers to conduct Mini Society, an economic program to help children understand the American Enterprise System once a month throughout the school year.   The program reached 100 upper elementary students (5th grade). They created their own “society” with their own town name, mayor, treasurer, and money cutter.  They d

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Babysitting Clinic

Author: Sharayha Clingenpeel

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

As summer was getting closer, the Family Youth Service Center Coordinator wanted to provide the opportunity for kids to learn about babysitting and the responsibilities that go along with it. She was aware some kids are asked to babysit (even if just for an hour) and wanted to make sure they were equipped with the knowledge needed to take care of a child. In collaboration with the Family Youth Service Center Coordinator, the 4-H agent offered a three-day babysitting clinic during the spring at C

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Preparing Youth for Real Life – Trigg County 4-H & Youth Service Center Partner for Reality Store

Author: Shelley Crawford

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

In an effort to equip youth with practical life skills and financial literacy, Trigg County 4-H partnered with the Trigg County Schools Youth Service Center to bring the Reality Store Program to all enrolled 7th grade students at Trigg County Middle School. This hands-on educational event was a powerful example of community collaboration and youth development in action.The Reality Store Program challenges students to make real-world financial decisions based on a randomly assigned career and sal

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Youth Crochet Camp Sparks Leadership and Club Interest

Author: Allison Croslin

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Describe the Issue or Situation. Youth in Graves County have been looking for more opportunities to express themselves through creative and artistic outlets. Over the past year, there has been a growing interest in classes that surround around fiber arts such as crochet, hand embroidery, etc. In response to these request, a crochet day camp for youth was developed.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).This day camp became popular very fast. Ther

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Laurel County 4-H: Bringing Life Skills to the Classroom

Author: Elizabeth Easley

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

In 2024, the Laurel County Community Needs Assessment identified youth life skills training as a top priority. Norman and Jordan (2006) define life skills as “learned abilities” that help people function well in their daily lives. Families, schools, and community leaders voiced the same concern: youth need practical skills to help them succeed in life.4-H life skill development meets this need. Through hands-on learning, 4-H teaches critical thinking, communication, and problem-solvi

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4-H Family Consumer Sciences Creates Impact

Author: Kimberly Schrader

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

In 2024, over 108,000 Kentucky 4-H youth participated in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) projects, dedicating more than 653,000 hours to hands-on learning in areas like Nutrition, Culinary Arts, Sewing, Financial Education, and Entrepreneurship.These programs are vital as Kentucky faces rising health and economic challenges, including a $36.31 billion obesity cost and shifting job markets. At the same time, industries like Hospitality and Tourism are growing, offering new career paths for you

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Connecting Families to Wellness and Youth Programs at Ft. Wright Family Wellness Night

Author: Anna Meyers

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

According to the Kentucky Department of Education School Report Card on Homelessness for 2023-2024, More than 63% of students at Ft. Wright Elementary School are considered economically disadvantaged, and 6.3% are experiencing homelessness, making it especially important to equip families with tools to stretch limited food budgets and access reliable nutrition education. Programs like SNAP-Ed, which teach practical strategies for maximizing food resources, and 4-H youth development, which offers

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The return of Cooking Club

Author: Mary Anne Garnett

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

In Christian County, the need for continued youth engagement and skill development in the kitchen led to the return of the 4-H Cooking Club, which saw strong participation from returning members. The club met monthly on Mondays and provided a fun, hands-on environment where youth could enhance their cooking skills and learn new techniques. Each session averaged about 10 enthusiastic participants ranging in age, all eager to expand their culinary knowledge. Throughout the year, youth were taught

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Babysitting Club

Author: Natalie Green

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Babysitting Club

Webster County is rural with a history of limited childcare options. Currently there is one privately owned daycare in the county, two pre-school Head Start locations with very limited space and qualifications based, as well as a handful of in-home sitters whose availability is advertised by word of mouth. The Webster County FCS agent and Program Assistant planned and implemented the Babysitting Club program to help combat this issue within the county.The program was advertised to children ages

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Cooking Up Confidence and Culture in Henderson County

Author: Alexandria Brasher

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Cooking Up Confidence and Culture in Henderson County

Henderson County 4-H Empowers Youth with Cooking Skills, Nutrition Knowledge, and Global AwarenessMany youth across Henderson County lack basic knowledge of food safety, nutrition, and cooking—essential life skills for long-term health and independence. Additionally, many have limited exposure to diverse foods and show reluctance to try healthier options.To address this, Henderson County 4-H hosted two hands-on International Cooking Day Camps for youth ages 9–14. These camps provided

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Safe Sitter

Author: Trever Cole

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Mason County 4H partnered with Buffalo Trace Health Department  to offer the safe sitter course where youth are certified by the Safe Sitter Program to babysit. This course goes through basic child care, first aid, CPR, choke and rescue, and job skills. At the end of the 6 hour course the students receive their certification as well as materials to help them begin baby sitting.

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4-H Reality Store

Author: Misty Wilmoth

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

The LaRue County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the LaRue County Youth Service Center to offer the 4-H Reality Store program to all 162 8th graders at LaRue County Middle School.  The 4-H Agent went into the classroom to prepare all the students for the event.  They researched their chosen career and expected salary.  They also drew for the number of children they would have for the activity which assumed they were 25 years old providing the only income for their hou

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4-H Cooking Programs Encourage Youth to Cook at Home

Author: Stacey Potts

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

4-H Cooking programs are a very popular request for after-school programs and clubs in Daviess County.  According to the American Heart Association, teaching youth how to prepare their own food will give them a skill they can use for a lifetime, they will be more likely to eat healthier as adults and build self- confidence. (Cooking With Your Children; Web MD; May 30, 2008.)  4-H Cooking programs give youth the very appealing opportunity to cook and eat, while providing Cooperation Ext

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Poultry BBQ Day Camp

Author: Rebecca Brown

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Breckinridge County recently hosted a Poultry BBQ Day Camp in collaboration with Hancock County. Dr. Jacobs led the camp, where participants learned how to safely prepare and cook chicken thighs and ground turkey. This class is part of the state-level poultry BBQ competition.Together with Lisa Hagman from Hancock County, we organized this opportunity for our youth. The program aims to enhance community wellness through nutrition and safety. Given the rising prevalence of Alpha-gal syndrome in th

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Dollars & Sense

Author: Renata Farmer

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Students taught about money and financial matters are more likely to save, more likely to pay off credit card debt and are also likely to think about their purchases. Yet, according to a  survey by the Jump$tart Coalition, one in six students in the United States failed to reach the baseline level of proficiency in financial literacy. The survey also showed that nearly 72 percent of parents showed reluctance in talking with their children about money and that 3 out of 10 parents actually ta

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2024-25 Magoffin 4-H Backpack Program

Author: Stefaine Back

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

The poorest county in Kentucky has a median income of $31,927, according to a recent report from financial website SmartAsset. The site named Magoffin County the poorest in the commonwealth in an article in the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper.In response, the Magoffin County Extension Office 4-H worked in conjunction with FRYSC centers at all schools to fight food insecurity for our youth.  Approximately 60 youth from 25 families received weekly food bag deliveries at their school sites f

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Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
S107 Ag. Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302

© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment