With the onset and spread of COVID-19 throughout Kentucky and our county, the Knox County 4-H program moved swiftly to deliver our message and reach our clientele in a new way.  After conversations with the Knox County 4-H Council, it was imperative to continue to reach youth with positive research-based programming and to do it remotely while continuing to be hands-on.  The Knox County 4-H program responded by offering virtual programming and also project kits that allowed youth to continue to experience the 4-H club model or do the project on their own..  As of now the Knox County 4-H program has given more than 3500 project kits to youth of our community since 2020.  Along with research-based information, each kit included a project related to Agriculture & Natural Resources, Health, FCS, STEM, Communication & Expressive Arts, or Leadership. To better reach youth and families, we are constantly evaluating our program.

Of youth and families that received 4-H project kits: 

• 60% of youth had attended 4-H clubs, projects and programs within the past year
• 30% of youth were new to 4-H programming
• 70% of families reported spending more quality time together in completing projects 
• 67% of families reported that they prepared more foods together
• 72% of families reported that their child spent less time on electronics due to receiving the kits                                                                                                                                "These kits have been great! We have been able to do projects as a family while learning and spending time together. We are thankful for Knox County 4-H for continuing these great projects," stated one parent.