The past year has been transformative for Blueprint Kentucky's Community Design Program, with a strong focus on building foundational knowledge. We relaunched the program by highlighting new and existing resources like one-pagers and program overviews. These tools empower Extension agents to seamlessly integrate community design into their initiatives and showcase professional pathways within the design sector. 

A core aspect of our work involves direct collaboration with Extension agents to provide comprehensive resources on design pathways. We know introducing design principles can be intimidating for those without formal training. To address this, Cameron Correll, Community Design Program Manager, has crafted resources that enable Extension agents to effectively teach design principles, making them accessible and understandable for everyone. These resources empower agents to translate complex design concepts into practical knowledge, allowing everyday individuals to engage with and apply design thinking in their own communities. 

One specific example is our Universal Playground publication. This workshop guide introduces students to concepts related to universal design through the lens of play. Extension agents across the state have been adapting this resource not only for students but also for adults in their communities, encouraging them to consider how their built environment can be more inclusive and accessible. Building on this success, the Community Design program is now working alongside agents to develop a new resource for public services, like libraries or health departments, that are planning building remodels or rebuilds. This will allow agents to partner with community organizations to develop inclusive public spaces that better meet their clients' needs. 

Looking ahead, our newly developed resources and refined program structure are set to have a lasting impact on our built environment. We'll host workshops for Extension agents, providing training on the impact our built environment has on personal well-being, problem-solving with local leaders and stakeholders, and guiding individuals toward relevant design career paths. All these efforts directly support their community planning initiatives.