Success StoryCYFAR Uplift Project Year 4



CYFAR Uplift Project Year 4

Author: Tyrone Atkinson

Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences

Major Program: Family Development General

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The CYFAR Uplift Project has gained momentum in Year 4 of the grant project. Kentucky State University Extension professionals collaborated on the grant in both grant site locations to help build strong relationships with community partners and co-facilitated all programming to reach target audiences. Primary community partners in Hardin County include Hardin Schools, PURE, Sunrise, faith-based organizations, and community members. Primary community partners in Fayette County include Crawford Middle School, Bryan Station Middle School, Grief Center for Families and Children. 4-H Youth Development and the College of Agriculture Food and Environment are continuous partners for the 4-H Social Leadership Taskforce.

The Fayette County grant site implemented and evaluated programming at two middle schools - Crawford and Bryan Station. 48 youth participated in the Crawford program, which met 19 times. Seventy-two youths participated in the Bryan Station program, which met 22 times. The Hardin County grant site implemented and evaluated programming with two local community organizations - PURE, Inc, and Sunrise. A total of 14 youths participated in the PURE program, which met ten times. A total of 21 youth participated in the Sunrise program, which met seven times.

It has been a 180-degree pivot from the early stages that hindered the grant in Years 1 & 2 due to the pandemic. This project has gained traction and is finally starting to blossom into a well-nurtured program for young people. The focus on helping to develop young people by facilitating life skills with them has been well received and needed. The University of Kentucky and Kentucky University employees supporting this grant have worked well in both counties to achieve the grant's goals.