Describe the Issue or Situation.

“Great public spaces are those places where celebrations are held, social and economic exchanges occur, friends run into each other, and cultures mix. They are the “front porches” of our public institutions – libraries, field houses, schools – where we interact with each other and government. When these spaces work well, they serve as the stage for our public lives.” (https://www.pps.org/article/grplacefeat)

According to the 2020 Census, 93 of Kentucky’s counties are predominantly rural (More than 50 percent). While the majority of Kentucky’s total population lives in urban areas, 54 counties are classified as entirely rural, with no designated urban areas within their boundaries. (https://kaco.org/articles/county-stats-rural-and-urban-population-breakdown/) While a county may not have a large urban center, small communities can benefit from a well-designed plan for their downtown core or a specific area of their community. Such a design plan can lead to increased economic opportunities, enhanced tourism, and improved community spaces, allowing residents to foster stronger connections with one another. 

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

Over the past four summers, Blueprint Kentucky (formerly known as CEDIK), imbedded multi-disciplinary student teams for ten weeks, along with faculty and staff from Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Arts Administration, Agricultural Economics, Community Leadership Development, Environmental sustainability, Geography, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, Natural Resources, and others to address a design problem in rural Kentucky communities. This effort is funded by a USDA AFRI Workforce Development grant and builds upon the success of past Community Design internships with CEDIK. The program addresses USDA Goal 4: Facilitate Rural Prosperity and Economic Development, as well as AFRI’s priority area of agricultural economics and rural communities. Faculty and staff that lead the initiative include Dr. Alison Davis (Professor, Ag Economics, Director, Blueprint Kentucky), Dr. Dan Kahl (Associate Professor, Community Leadership Development, Associate Director, Blueprint Kentucky), Melody Nall (Engagement Director, Blueprint Kentucky, Extension Specialist, Community Health), Ryan Sandwick (Community Design), Carolina Segura-Bell (Faculty, Landscape Architecture) and Cameron Correll (Community Design).

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

Thirty-one students completed the summer fellowship program over the past 4 years. They represent the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the College of Design, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Fine Arts. The communities that benefited from the student experience and design plans include Flemingsburg (Fleming County), Irvine (Estill County), Mayfield (Graves County), Fulton (Fulton County), Maysville (Mason County), and Bedford (Trimble County).

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.

Students reported improved skills, increased knowledge in community development, economics, design, teamwork, and communication. In addition, students and faculty presented their work at The Ohio River Way annual conference in October 2024 and the Kentucky American Landscape Architects annual conference in April 2025 and received a merit award for their work in Maysville, KY. 

“The enthusiasm and work that Carolina Segura Bell, the students, and the CEDIK team put into this project sparked a fire that excited our city and its leadership. Their work and vision provide direction for long-term economic and quality-of-life outcomes. Maysville was so fortunate to have had this opportunity, and we look forward to putting the results into action.”   Debra L. Cotterill, Mayor, City of Maysville, Kentucky

What’s Next? 

We plan to continue our summer experiences for students as funds allow, and to prioritize: 

1. Authentic experiences: Ensuring our fellows have meaningful interactions with the rural communities. 
2. Collaborative planning: Working closely with residents and elected officials to develop inclusive and impactful design plans. 
3. Community empowerment: Supporting local initiatives that leverage community growth for economic development and quality of life. 

Together, we can equip our students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to become catalysts for community-driven development, future professionals working in rural Kentucky, and create vibrant economies that benefit generations to come.