Describe the Issue or Situation.

Today’s Extension colleagues and clients represent five distinct generations – Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Their diverse backgrounds influence how individuals communicate, learn, and work together.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

To turn generational differences into strengths, a multidisciplinary, multi-generational Extension team developed a versatile training program for Extension personnel. This program explores how each generation approaches communication, technology, motivation, and workplace values. Research demonstrates that understanding generational distinctions can aid in creating a cohesive, effective, and successful team.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

To help agents and other Extension personnel become more familiar with and respectful of each generation’s history and core values, the team created an innovative and replicable program. It provided participants with tools and resources to bridge generations in their workspace. Formal planning began in Spring 2023, and the first training was delivered in January 2024. To date, the program has been taught eight times to over 200 participants. Presentations are being considered for September 2025 at the Extension Support Staff Training. Two abstracts were submitted in June 2025 for the Kentucky Volunteer Forum scheduled for February 2026.

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.

Training Milestones:

• Winter 2024 – Two full day in-service training session (n = 52)
• April 2024 – Chi Epsilon Sigma Annual Meeting session (n = 48)
• October 2024 – National Epsilon Sigma Phi Conference, Virginia Beach (n>40)
• March 2025 – Kentucky Extension Conference (29 survey respondents)
• May 2025 – Extension Core Training (n = 28)
• May 2025 – KEHA State Meeting (38 survey respondents)

Of approximately 200 participants, 189 completed some form of evaluation (e.g., Mentimeter surveys, post-training, and follow-up evaluations). Among the 54 who completed detailed post-training evaluations:

• 100% reported increased confidence in bridging generations.
• 100% reported improved attitude or approach at work.
• 100% reported increased comfort and confidence to offer multigenerational programs.
• 98% felt equipped with relevant skills and knowledge.
• 96% recognized the importance of generational diversity in advisory roles.

Key takeaways shared by participants:

1. Every generation feels misunderstood.
2. Every generation has the opportunity to learn and grow from each other.
3. Good old days are great, but we all need to focus on moving ahead.
4. Consider all generations when programming to appeal to all audiences.
5. Communication preferences influence who participates.
6. Find commonalities to build community.
7. Create more office team building to include all generations.

Participant next steps:

1. Go out and be in the spaces of different generations who are your clientele.
2. We are not one size fits all. Be proactive.
3. Be more inclusive with all generations.
4. Review marketing approaches.
5. Be more mindful of generational differences and preferences.
6. Recruit more representation on advisory councils.
7. Don’t make assumptions.
8. Be more intentionally aware of how to bridge generations and appreciate others.
9. Be more purposeful in marketing and designing programs.