Describe the Issue or Situation.

In Lawrence County, local educators and Extension professionals identified a growing need to equip high school students with life skills and soft skills that are essential for career and adult success. While students often receive technical education and academic instruction, they may lack confidence or experience with interpersonal communication, professionalism, and basic life management. National data supports this need: 93% of employers report that soft skills—such as communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence—are critical in the hiring process (NACE, 2023), yet these are often the hardest to find in applicants.

Lawrence County High School Career Support Specialist, Mr. Sparks, recognized this gap among students participating in the Wilderness Education Project – Apprenticeship Building America summer program. Many of these students were preparing to enter the workforce or continue in post-secondary education and could benefit from skills that make them feel more capable and confident in unfamiliar or professional settings.

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

To address this need, the Lawrence County Cooperative Extension Service, through the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program, partnered with Mr. Sparks and Lawrence County High School to offer a one-day, interactive etiquette and life skills workshop. The workshop was developed to be engaging, approachable, and hands-on, providing students with a practical foundation in essential soft skills and everyday adult responsibilities. The program focused on:

• Respectful greetings and conversation etiquette
• Personal presentation and professionalism
• Manners, courtesy, and social awareness
• The art of table setting and dining etiquette

The FCS Extension Agent led the session, which was designed to be not only informative but also empowering and confidence-building. Students were encouraged to ask questions, practice what they learned, and reflect on how small skills—like making a proper introduction or knowing how to act in an unfamiliar setting—can help them feel more in control of real-world situations.

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

A total of 18 high school students from Lawrence County participated in the program. All were enrolled in the Wilderness Education Project – Apprenticeship Building America summer program and represented a range of academic and career interests. Many were first-generation college-bound students or entering the workforce for the first time. The students were eager to build skills that would help them transition into adulthood and professional life.

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.

Following the workshop, students demonstrated increased confidence and understanding of professional and social etiquette. In a brief post-session evaluation:

• 100% of students reported feeling more prepared for professional interactions, such as interviews or meeting new people.
• 100% of students said they learned at least one skill they had never been taught before.
• 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that learning these life skills helped reduce anxiety about adult responsibilities.

Students specifically cited improved confidence in using proper greetings, managing uncomfortable social situations, and understanding table manners. One participant shared that they "had never learned how to properly introduce themselves or which fork to use, but now they felt more confident and capable."

Deana West, the FCS agent leading the workshop reflected: “My new job is so many wonderful things, but I love teaching life skills when I can. I’m always excited to help students work through real-life problems or challenges that we all face when we’re in uncomfortable situations. Learning practical skills builds their confidence, and honestly, I’ve found most students could use more encouragement to build confidence. I have seen how teaching FCS skills helps reduce anxiety that comes from feeling unfamiliar with how to do life—for example, separating laundry, which fork to use, how to make biscuits & gravy, or even how to change a diaper. New situations can be made more comfortable, and we can nurture healthier adults through FCS. And for me, I love knowing I’m helping them grow into the best version of themselves. I love teaching!”

Overall, this workshop illustrates how Lawrence County Extension are actively helping to shape capable, confident, and resilient young adults—meeting both educational and workforce development goals while supporting healthier, more self-sufficient communities across Kentucky.