Success Stories by Kentukcy State University - 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 Stories by Kentukcy State UniversityKentucky Extension Reporting System

Hardin & LaRue County Community Baby Shower Promoting Healthy Choices for New Moms and Families -(June 2025)

Author: Chandra DeRamus

Major Program: Family Development General

Within Hardin County, a disproportionate number of Kentucky families live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentucky.) From housing to grocery store expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust to the rising cost of living. This makes it really challenging for parents to afford an affordable home and raise children without feeling strain in their budget.As a result of the economic strain on families our local community organization, Commu

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“KSU Disaster Preparedness Program Impacting Community of Seniors in Hardin County”-April 2025

Author: Chandra DeRamus

Major Program: Emergency Disaster Preparedness

“KSU Disaster Preparedness Program Impacting Community of Seniors in Hardin County”-April 2025

Over the last year (2025) across the state of Kentucky, families have been faced with all kinds of disasters from flooding, tornadoes, and winter snow storms.  In order to meet these ongoing challenges, Kentucky State University’s family and consumer science (FCS) extension agent decided to complete a series of classes on disaster preparedness. So to meet that need to prepare some of the citizens within Hardin County, she facilitated a 5 part series between the months of (Dec. 2024-Ap

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Walk Your Way: Inspiring Health Through Movement

Author: Rebecca Woodall

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Low physical activity levels, poor nutrition, and mental health challenges are known contributors to chronic diseases—and they continue to be major public health concerns. According to America’s Health Rankings, Kentucky ranks among the least physically active states.In response, Family and Consumer Sciences Agents in the Pennyrile Area launched Walk Your Way, a 12-week walking challenge aimed at boosting physical activity and encouraging healthier lifestyles among local residents.42

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Kentucky's Urban Growers Gain Insights at National Conference

Author: Von Barnes

Major Program: Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General

The Black Urban Growers (BUGS) Conference in Houston delivered substantial professional development and networking opportunities for Kentucky's urban agriculture practitioners, positioning them at the forefront of agricultural innovation and community development. The Kentucky participants received advanced insights into urban agriculture methodologies through comprehensive knowledge transfer sessions. By establishing a robust national network of urban agriculture professionals, delegates ex

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Layne Elementary Third Graders Explore Robotics with Ozobots

Author: Von Barnes

Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology

Third-grade students at Layne Elementary are discovering the world of robotics and coding through an innovative program led by 4-H Agent Louis Milligan, with support from Urban Agriculture Agent Von Barnes. Using Ozobots, small color-coding robots, students are learning fundamental programming concepts in an engaging, hands-on way.The program introduces students to coding by teaching them how to create color-coded paths for their Ozobots to follow. Students begin by drawing detailed maps with sp

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How to Start a Food Business WATCH PARTY

Author: Von Barnes

Major Program: Economic and Business Development - ANR

The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office on Gardiner View buzzed with energy as a group of enthusiastic individuals gathered for a watch party focused on "How to Start a Food Business." This wasn't just about passively watching regional food presentations; it was an opportunity for local aspiring food entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and get support tailored to the Kentucky food landscape regarding policies and processes for getting started producing goods for market.Despi

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Homemaker Homecoming Results in New Homemakers

Author: Rebecca Woodall

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

Homemaker Homecoming Results in New Homemakers

Crittenden County Homemakers often express concern that the number of Homemakers is dwindling and that there may not be a next generation of Homemakers. Their goal has been to get younger people interested in Homemakers, given that their average age is 70. They have also often expressed being tired and needing younger people to get involved to help them.The year 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of Crittenden County Homemakers.   KEHA week also happened to fall on the same week as Crittenden

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Super Success of Kindergarten Readiness Event

Author: Rebecca Woodall

Major Program: Family Development General

Super Success of Kindergarten Readiness Event

According to the Early Childhood Profile, approximately 49% of children in Caldwell and Crittenden counties are not ready for kindergarten. With most children aged 0-5 in this area not enrolled in childcare, families need access to alternative educational programs that build kindergarten readiness skills. To address this need, the Caldwell and Crittenden Family and Consumer Sciences Agents partnered with the George Coon Public Library and the Caldwell, Crittenden, and Lyon Regional Collabor

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Small Scale Poultry Production for Profit Programs Offered

Author: William Crawford

Major Program: Poultry/Small Flocks

Small scale farms and homesteads in Kentucky face challenges of economy to scale when compared to large corporate supported operations. No industry is more evident of this disparity than the production of poultry. With over 1.8 billion dollars worth of meat from chicken and turkeys combined with eggs produced in the Commonwealth, they comprise the state's number one agricultural cash crop. Vertically integrated by design, every input is selected for efficiency and affordability. Recent initi

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YEA-REAP 1890 Collaboration

Author: Brian Walker

Major Program: Camping

The 1890 Collaboration is the first of its kind for five other HBCUs institutions. This collaboration exposes youth to workforce careers in agriculture and STEM related fields. This task is not an easy task as it brings all the institutions together to do effective programming throughout the year, and then in the summer, fifteen students from each institution are able to go. This year came with challenges as KYSU was able to send nine out of fifteen students to the camp. This trip might loo

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Incubation and Embryology Programs Reinforce STEM Initiatives

Author: William Crawford

Major Program: Poultry/Small Flocks

STEM initiative are at the forefront of current educational trends. Incubation studies utilizing candling to non-invasively view developing chicken embryos reinforces these principles. Candling involves the use of a bright light held to the large end of fertile egg, thus illuminating the blood vessels, eye and even the beating heart as early as three days into development. The highlight for many is being allowed to hold baby chicks after being taught how to do so in a way to provide a safe and s

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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.&

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Greatness at the 2025 Nuel Conference

Author: Brian Walker

Major Program: Leadership

The 2025 National Urban Education Leaders (NUEL) Conference, held in vibrant Durham, North Carolina, marked a transformative milestone in the national dialogue on equity, leadership, and innovation in urban education. Hosted in North Carolina, the event brought together over 1,200 extension leaders, scholars, 4-H agents, and community stakeholders from the southern region.With the theme "Leading for Justice: Innovation, Identity, and Impact in Urban Education," the conference featured

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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

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"Color Your World" Library Programming allows for Essential Skill Development

Author: Allison Denny

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

For young children, making art is a sensory exploration activity. They enjoy the feeling of a crayon moving across paper and seeing a blob of colored paint grow larger. Kamii and DeVries (1993) suggested that exploring materials is very important because it is through exploration that children build a knowledge of the objects in the world around them. Therefore, it is critical to provide unique and "outside of the box" opportunities and methods for children to create and explore with.K

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Art Night at the William B Harlan Memorial Library

Author: Allison Denny

Major Program: Quality Arts Engagement & Experiences

Most Americans—87%— recognize that access to the arts is important to quality of life. Furthermore, 63% say that arts experiences are uplifting, and 73% think the arts contribute something positive to the world ( Americans for the Arts). Because of these beliefs, there is a desire within KY to increase the amount of arts education opportunities available to all of its citizens. The Monroe County FCS Agent and I created a partnership with the William B Harlan Memorial Library to do an

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4-H Art Club Helps Foster Civic Engagement

Author: Allison Denny

Major Program: Volunteer Engagement in the Arts

The statewide Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment indicated that two of the top 15 priorities for the state of Kentucky are strengthening youth workforce readiness, and providing youth life skill training opportunities. Civic engagement is an essential skill set that contributes to the growth of 21st century life and workforce skills. Because of this, KY 4-H prioritizes integrating civic engagement into all learning opportunities and experiences, along with leadership and communicat

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Planting Knowledge, Harvesting Hope: Small Farms Rise in the Mountains

Author: Laura Rogers

Major Program: Small Farm Management

     Small and beginning farmers in Eastern Kentucky often face multiple barriers to success, including limited access to agricultural education, high poverty rates, lack of exposure to current technologies, and few networking opportunities with industry professionals. Many of these producers operate in isolated areas and may not be aware of available programs, funding, or technical assistance. As a result, farm profitability, safety, and sustainability can suffer—further im

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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