Kentucky Project Uplift was conducted in its final year. The project was funded by USDA NIFA to target youth from vulnerable populations who could benefit from developing critical life skills. As of Spring 2024, nearly 500 youth have gained life skill experiences through the efforts of Extension professionals at the state and county levels.

Pre and post assessments were used to determine how young people were progressing towards development in social, communication and leadership skills as well as the ability to make better decisions.  Based on the pre and post assessments of youth participation in the programming, it was evident that the youth remained fairly positive towards their experiences. Moreover, they acknowledged the value of critical life skills even at the beginning of their program participation and remained attentive to the value of attaining the capacity to further develop as leaders. Youth participants reported more positive experiences in learning how to make better decisions, expressing thoughts regarding problems, seeing another person’s point of view when communicating, and monitoring personal progress after setting goals as a result of participating (as revealed through the pre and post assessment).