Describe the Issue or Situation. 

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). After many hours of research and several meetings with 2 local cake decorators, Donna Long and Tiffany Coots, I created this Homemaker Lesson. The other 9 FCS agents in my area also helped plan out the multi-county leader lesson along with an additional lesson on Tobacco Stick crafts which another FCS agent lead. The homemakers in our area got to choose which day to attend and they would received instruction on both leader lessons. Donna Long, who has a cake business agreed to help teach this lesson on cake decorating with me. She did an amazing job showing the techniques to the classes. We had all the supplies needed and we went through each step of how to teach this lesson to their prospective club. We discussed lesson outline, supplies, techniques, they practiced piping on practice sheets with real icing and using 4 different pastry tips. At the end of the lesson each participant got 2 cupcakes to decorate using what they had just learned and were able to take home their creations.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience. 78 female Kentucky Homemakers of various ages (most over age 50) mostly retired, attended these classes

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach. 

100% of those participating in cake decorating lesson reported to have learned something new and felt more confident in their ability to use the basic cake decorating skills they learned that day. Over 98% reported planned on decorating more baked goods for their families and friends now they have these skills in their pocket and even reported to plan on experimenting with different techniques than they learned that day. This lesson was a 100% success, the ladies loved it, some of the comments I received were:

"I need more practice, but really enjoyed today"

"more classes like this would be great"

"loved it, fun and informative"

"Something we can definitely use"

"a good craft and hobby for our club, so necessary for a grandmother"

"The joy of free art form"

After seeing what we did on social media posts, our local library has reached out asking us to come do this lesson with our community. We are also planning on doing this lesson with 4-H kids as well in December! Also, we have a cookie decorating class planned for February because of so much interest.