Recently, Clay County has experienced an increasing amount of out of state families relocating to the area, with many of those being homeschool families. According the John Hopkins School of Education, 5% of Kentucky’s K-12 students were homeschooled. As this number continues to rise, homeschool families are taking advantage of Extension programs offered to the community for fellowship opportunities, strengthening life skills for youth, and expanding knowledge on numerous educational topics.

For the first time, Clay County 4-H established a 4-H Homeschool Club for youth and families. Through this opportunity, youth and families have explored 4-H by participating in many club meetings that touch on several 4-H program areas. 4-Hers and families have expanded their knowledge on the process of cheese making and owning a local business, natural resource topics and formation of caves, gained insight of local history by visiting the Manchester Historical Society, learned the important of civic engagement by completing a community service project, and the importance of farming practices by visiting a local farm.

Youth and families are building relationships and gaining new life skills through participating in the club and other Extension related programs/events. This opportunity has also been a benefit to those that are new to the community by to building connections with other organizations as well.