A University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Office can be found in every county across the Commonwealth.   County Extension offices are typically made up of Extension Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H and Youth Development.   

The extension mentor program helps new agents experience an easier transition into the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.  New agents (mentee) are paired with an experienced agent (mentor) to provide a professional, educational and personal support system.  The mentor provides guidance with programming, office management, community involvement and leadership just to name a few.  To be a mentor, experienced agents must complete the mentoring training.

The Webster County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent has served as a mentor agent for the past 15 years.  During that time, she has mentored seven new agents in five counties in two districts.   She is currently mentoring two new agents.  ANR agents are called upon by our clientele with a wide range questions.  It can be overwhelming, having a mentor to help gives new agents a sense of security.  As a mentor, it is rewarding and inspiring to help new agents get off to a good start. The mentoring program is beneficial to both the mentor and the mentee.  

According to survey results, the mentor program is very helpful.  In the words of one mentee, “The mentor program has helped me to not only learn the duties of an ANR agent, but how to handle different situations that come up within this job in the best way. I have been much more prepared and have known what to expect while carrying out different responsibilities, thanks to this mentorship. Being a new agent can be difficult and it helps a lot to have someone experienced that you can depend on for the many questions that arise.”   In the words of another mentee “ The mentor program has been great to help me within my first year in extension with Kentucky. I have been lucky to have a mentor that doesn’t mind meeting whenever to answer questions or to help with a first time meeting.  I think what has made me be very grateful to be in this mentor program is to know that I have support and can get help with anything that may arise.”