The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Services aims to translate research into actionable knowledge to improve the lives and livelihoods of Kentuckians. The first step in this knowledge translation and program development process is to identify community needs and opportunities. A statewide community needs assessment was conducted between August and December 2023 to understand Kentuckians’ perceptions of the extent to which their communities need practical education and assistance related to agricultural and natural resources, youth development, family and individual development, and community and economic development. More than 36,000 Kentuckians, representing all 120 counties of the Commonwealth, responded to the needs assessment survey. Analysis of responses to the survey revealed top priority areas for UK Extension programming, including: Minimizing youth substance use and improving support for addiction prevention and recovery, youth life skill training opportunities, strengthening youth workforce readiness, reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise and ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious food, improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, and sustainability of family farms. 

A public facing interactive dashboard was created to display respondents’ characteristics and responses to survey questions. The dashboard includes demographic filters to help UK Extension personnel and other users visualize how perceived needs differ by county, race, gender, age, education, familiarity with Extension, etc. Virtual training sessions were delivered to provide guidance on how to access and use the assessment results and dashboard for data-driven program development. Two-hundred and forty (240) UK Extension personnel participated in the training of which 108 (45%) completed the post-training evaluation tool. Evaluation data indicated that the training was a worthwhile learning experience for participants. All respondents (100%) reported that the dashboard provides important information about the need for practical education/assistance in the community/communities that they serve. Approximately 97% reported that the dashboard is engaging; 99% reported that the demographic filters at the top are helpful for identifying specific audiences/populations of interest; and 98% reported that the dashboard is easy to use and presents the assessment results in a way that they understand. Similarity, 98% reported that they plan to use the assessment results (dashboard) to guide/plan for their Extension programs and 95% plan to share the assessment results (dashboard) with their community partners.

The needs assessment results and interactive dashboard are pivotal to the ongoing county and state plan-of-work processes. UK Extension personnel and stakeholders at county and state levels are using the results to identify and prioritize community needs and opportunities that UK Extension could address through targeted educational programming and engagement efforts.  As of June 1, 2024, the dashboard has received approximately 900 visits.