Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

Close Resources

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

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026

Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Laurel County 4-H Equips Youth With Critical Workforce Skills

Author: Elizabeth Easley

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Today's employers expect young people to enter the workforce with both hard and soft skills. Hard skills—such as technical knowledge and hands-on abilities—help employees to perform their jobs well. Soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, and leadership—help them work effectively with others and adapt to change.Research shows this need is growing:Schislyaeva and Saychenko (2022) found that soft skills are increasingly important in hiring decisions. Many new hires

Full Story

State Teen Conference

Author: Shelley Crawford

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by a distinguished Kentucky 4-H alum, who shared their personal 4-H journey and how it shaped their professional path. Their story of growth, resilience, and achievement served as a powerful reminder of the lifelong impact of 4-H. By reflecting on their own experiences—from club meetings and leadership boards to national competitions and college decisions—the speaker encouraged delegates to embrace every opportunity 4-H

Full Story

Dollars and Sense-Meadowthorpe Elementary

Author: Amanda Clark

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Describe the Issue or Situation.In today's economy, the ability to manage personal finances is an essential life skill—yet many children reach adulthood without foundational knowledge of budgeting, saving, or responsible spending. Educators and parents at Meadowthorpe Elementary recognized the need to introduce financial literacy concepts at an earlier age to help students develop smart money habits and decision-making skills before they encounter real-world financial responsibilities.

Full Story

Exploring Careers with 4-H

Author: Rachael Wong

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Exploring Careers with 4-H

This school year (2024-2025), McCracken County 4-H took learning beyond the classroom through our "Exploring Careers with 4-H" events during their Fall and Spring Breaks. Designed to inspire and educate youth about real-world career opportunities, these events gave 4-H members hands-on experiences in a variety of fields, thanks to strong partnerships with local professionals and businesses.Youth explored careers in Aviation, Law Enforcement, Legal professions, Agriculture, Space Scienc

Full Story

Up and Ready Day Camp

Author: Emily Chaney

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

According to the Pike County Needs Assessment, there is a strong community desire for youth to be better equipped with essential life skills. Many young people in the area lack opportunities to learn practical skills that prepare them for adulthood, such as managing personal finances, basic home and auto maintenance, and cooking. This gap in knowledge can hinder their independence and confidence as they transition into adulthoodIn response, the Up and Ready day camp was developed to provide yout

Full Story

Adulting Workshop for High School Seniors

Author: Regina Browning

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

As high school seniors approach graduation, they are also approaching a shift in independence as they move into adulthood. Self-reliance and self-sufficiency are important as young adults begin to navigate the world around them.  Providing them with lessons in basic life skills can give young people confidence in their newfound independence whether they plan to go away to college or enter the workforce. The Shelby County 4-H Agent and the Shelby County High School Youth Service Center (YSC)

Full Story

4-H/PYCE/MANNRS Working Together

Author: Brian Walker

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

A successful end-of-year send-off event was hosted by 2024-2025 MANNRS students from KYSU. The event was held on campus to serve as a farewell to the outgoing academic year and an opportunity for incoming agriculture students to connect with their peers before the fall semester. What made this event even more special was that the gathering included the Promising Youth Center and 4-H Youth Development, fostering a spirit of unity and engagement among young leaders in agriculture and STEM fields.&

Full Story

A Positive Feedback!!

Author: Brian Walker

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Exploring Careers with AgDiscovery at Kentucky State University is the topic of what one student had to say about this unique camp. This past summer (2024) one of the past participants came to the camp because of her love for the veterinary science field and that it was being held in the state of Kentucky. Ms. Julissa along with 17 other participants were able to attend one of the primier KYSU summer camps and stay on campus for two weeks learning about all things that deal with the animal scien

Full Story

Washington County Food Pantry- Filling Stomachs and Hearts!

Author: Melissa Schenck

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

The Washington County Food Pantry, located at the Washington County TEL Center, is more than a food distribution site—it's a community cornerstone built on compassion, collaboration, and commitment. Operated through a partnership between the Washington County Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC) and the Washington County Extension Office, the pantry continues to be a source of nourishment and hope for local families.The pantry’s story began more than 15 years ago wit

Full Story

Logan County 4-H Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop

Author: Maci Venable

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Describe the Issue or Situation.In Logan County, youth often express interest in starting their own businesses, but lack access to structured opportunities to learn the essential skills needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures. With limited local resources focused on youth entrepreneurship, there was a clear need for a program that could introduce business basics in an engaging and age-appropriate way, helping students develop confidence and real-world skills.Describe the Outreach or

Full Story

Adair County Cooperative Extension Service Prepares Youth for Real-World Financial Decisions

Author: Michael Rose

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Career awareness and financial literacy have become a key focus in Adair County. To better equip youth with the skills they need for future success, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service sponsored a Reality Check program, reaching all 170 eighth-grade students in the county.This introductory, paper-based program allowed students to choose a career path, family structure, and corresponding starting salary. They were then tasked with making financial decisions, selecting monthly expenses

Full Story

College Reality

Author: Annette Buckman

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

“College Reality” Program Union CountyBackground & NeedUnion County faces educational attainment challenges that limit career advancement and economic mobility. Workforce data shows:25.09% of residents hold an associate degree or higher.90.75% have at least a high school diploma.Detailed educational breakdown:2.95% did not complete 9th grade6.31% completed some high school (grades 9–12, no diploma)44.9% are high school graduates20.76% completed some college, no degree14.04%

Full Story

Todd County Entrepreneurship Programs Allows Youth to Get Down to Business

Author: Lee Ann McCuiston

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Issue or SituationThe UK Extension Community Assessment identified the need to build skills in workforce preparation.  Additionally, many young people in Todd County expressed a strong interest in starting their own businesses but lacked access to structured opportunities that taught essential entrepreneurial skills. With limited local resources focused on youth entrepreneurship, there was a clear need for a program that could introduce business fundamentals in an engaging and age-appropria

Full Story

Mock Interviews Continue Prepare Youth to be Beyond Ready

Author: Toni Humble

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Mock Interviews Continue Prepare Youth to be Beyond Ready

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. What does the CAN say about youth workforce development ?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)

Full Story

Money Matters

Author: Candice Hollingsworth

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

According to 2021 Experian data, the average American holds a debt balance of $96,371.  Young people will pick up and emulate the relationship with money and spending habits of the adults in their lives. This may set them up for lifelong financial struggles.   A 2017 T. Rowe Price Survey stated that 69% of parents admit they are reluctant about broaching the topic of finances with their children.  To help set kids on the right path, Shelby County 4-H provided a Money Matters progr

Full Story

Reality Checks for High School Juniors

Author: Melissa Schenck

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Reality Checks for High School Juniors

In the United States, more than 60% of adults live paycheck to paycheck including those 40% who make over six figures according to a study done by LendingClub. With staggering statistics like that, it is evident that we must take the time to teach youth about their finances and the importance of living within their means. In the past, the Washington County Extension Office had partnered with Washington County Schools to host a powerful learning experience for each 8th grader called Reality Store

Full Story

4-H Future Ready: 6th Grade Workforce Prep Event

Author: Staci Thrasher

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

 Event Overview: The 4-H Future Ready: 6th Grade Workforce Prep Event, held at North Central 4-H Camp, brought together 165 enthusiastic students and over 25 dedicated community partners. This event was designed to equip young minds with essential skills for their future careers through a series of engaging and hands-on activities.Activities and Engagement: Youth participants were immersed in a variety of activities that fostered both personal and professional growth. The 4-H Camp Staff led

Full Story

It's Your Reality Event

Author: Alissa Ackerman

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Thirty-five states require financial management classes for students to complete high school graduation, according to the Financial Education Council. With Kentucky being one of the newly thirty-five states requiring financial literacy classes, these skills are still a crucial need for students’ future success. From banking to managing debt, buying a home or planning for retirement, require a wide range of resources. The Clay County 4-H program responded to requests by the local high schoo

Full Story

Showing 1 to 18 of 27 entries

Show entries

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