Describe the Issue or Situation. The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association saw a need to recruit and retain strong leaders in their organization to fill the many officer/chairman positions.  

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

In March 2023 the 2nd Leadership Academy was held with participants attending a 3-day training and expectation from being in this program they would do a payback of 40 volunteer hours in one year. The leadership academy was funded by the state KEHA board to help build emerging leaders in the organization.  This was to increase the pool of leaders available to hold county, area, and state level elected and appointed positions.  The payback does not have to be leadership positions it is highly encouraged.  The state board is seeing results of chairman and officers who have completed the academy now serving.   From this success the KEHA state board has voted to move forward with a committee and host the 3rd academy in 2026.

Another success was presenting our program at the National Extension Volunteer Conference in a concurrent session to 29 agents from across the country.

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

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.

The KEHA Leadership Academy appears to be enhancing leadership skills and increasing member confidence to step up to higher leadership roles.