During the 2022 Fiscal Year, Project Uplift began gaining momentum after being impacted by the Corona virus. During the height of the pandemic, this project, which is funded by USDA-NIFA, stalled due to declining in-person programming. As of this year, the program has been able to offer youth in both Fayette and Hardin Counties, life skills programing to aid their development. 

 Project Uplift has targeted under-served youth in rural and suburban and urban communities with programs focused on life skills, goal setting, healthy living/nutrition and financial literacy. The grant includes a team of specialists, an Extension associate, and Extension agents from both UK and KSU, demonstrating a strong partnership between the two land-grant institutions.

In Hardin County, the program has served nearly 200 youth, ranging from ages 12 to 18 and from 7^th through 12^th grade.  The agent in Hardin County has documented that the program has taught youth how to communicate more effectively, develop and set smart goals, and to budget and save money. At least 90% of the participating students have started the process of applying for jobs, internships, and colleges since being involved in this program. 

In Fayette County, an average of 15 youth have participated in weekly sessions at two local middle schools. Two of the Project Uplift team members (one Extension specialist, one Extension Associate) visit the schools weekly to teach pertinent live skills and provide hands-on activities to help youth be more engaged. Some of the topics include effective communication, problem solving strategies, and decision-making skills. All the youth have shared how the program is very beneficial by helping them with coping skills at school and at home. The site in Fayette County has also incorporated a youth-adult partnership approach. The president-elect of the 4-H Youth Social Justice Leadership Board has volunteered to help facilitate four sessions. Not only did this allow the youth participants to connect with a peer mentor, but it also helped the president-elect of the social Justice Board put leadership skills into practice.