Success StoryThe Value of Volunteers



The Value of Volunteers

Author: Sharon Flynt

Planning Unit: Scott County CES

Major Program: Master Gardener

Plan of Work: Volunteerism

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Cooperative extension volunteer programs are essential as they help the cooperative extension service reach its state-wide mission of  making “a difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through research-based education.” Understanding the monetary value of volunteer time is extremely valuable as well, as this additional knowledge gives “tools” to  our land-grant universities’ leaders and extension leaders. How? By putting a realistic financial value on what is often perceived as “free” labor and allowing our leaders to communicate a complete contribution picture to state  and local leaders  and citizens alike.

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is just one of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension volunteer programs that reach out to our local citizens every day delivering up-to-date, researched-based information. In the fiscal year 2021-2022, the Scott County extension master gardener program contributed 587 volunteer hours. In April 2022,  The Independent Sector (https://independentsector.org) released the updated value of volunteer time at   $29.95 per hour, giving the Scott County Extension Master Gardener volunteers’ contribution of time the value of $17,580.65.






Stories by Sharon Flynt


Volunteers Play a Crucial Role in Extension Programs

about 4 months ago by Sharon Flynt

The problemVolunteers play a crucial role in Extension programs, contributing their time, talents, a... Read More


2023-2024 Seed Giveaway Program

about 4 months ago by Sharon Flynt

The problem - Increase accessability to fresh, locally grown foodThe educational program responseThe... Read More


Stories by Scott County CES


Scott County Extension: Dresses for Ghana

Scott County Extension: Dresses for Ghana

about 7 months ago by Alivia Faris

The Scott County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer sciences collaborated with the Scott County... Read More


Recipes for Life 2023

Recipes for Life 2023

about 10 months ago by Alivia Faris

The Scott County Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Agent collaborated with Southern Eleme... Read More