Youth life skill training opportunities and strengthening youth workforce readiness were identified as priority issues for Knott County in the 2023 UK Community Needs Assessment.  In order to address these needs, in a collaborative effort with Knott Co 4-H, FYRSCs, and eighteen community partners, all 8^th grade and sophomore students throughout the county were provided the opportunity to engage in a career exploration day.  

     Eighteen community partners participated to present career options and the different pathways to attain them. Each participant was given a “passport” to facilitate career connections by interviewing various professions.  This passport contained a series of questions for each station, helping to structure and deepen those conversations.  The passport questions were based on the 4-H Build Your Future curriculum.   Additionally, as a warmup activity, the 4-H agent delivered a brief lesson on proper introductions, name badge placements, eye contact and the significance of a handshake. Once students finished their passports, they proceeded to a checkout station.      

     A total of 331 youth conducted at least five interviews with professionals in their respective fields. The majority of youth demonstrated proper introduction and handshake techniques with the professionals, as observed and reported in follow-ups with those individuals.