Success StoryYouth Entrepreneurship and Former Coal Mine Sites



Youth Entrepreneurship and Former Coal Mine Sites

Author: Ronald Hustedde

Planning Unit: Community & Leadership Development

Major Program: Economic Development

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Extension specialist led business planning workshops for high school students and teachers in the coal-dependent counties of Eastern Kentucky  to develop entrepreneurial approaches for using abandoned coal mine sites.    Student teams from ten high schools developed innovative written business proposals and oral and visual presentations that included  market analyses, competitive advantages, financial projections and feasability, management team assets and other aspects.   It was part of a youth entrepreneurship contest in which the Extension specialist also served as a judge.   Each student in the top winning team received a $1,000 award. Their high school instructors also received significant financial awards.  Cash prizes were also awarded to students and their instructors for second and third place winners.   Members of the financial community heard these presentations and provided feedback.  Key contest organizers have reached out to investors to consider the most innovative proposals for potential follow-up and implementation.






Stories by Ronald Hustedde


Listening Beyond Defensiveness and Divisions

about 4 years ago by Ronald Hustedde

Many social scientists, journalists and other observers view American society as highly polarized be... Read More


Youth Entrepreneurship and Former Coal Mine Sites

about 4 years ago by Ronald Hustedde

The Extension specialist led business planning workshops for high school students and teachers in th... Read More


Stories by Community & Leadership Development


For the Love of Empanadas and Other Tales of Argentina: Connecting Food, Culture, & History Through Foodways

For the Love of Empanadas and Other Tales of Argentina: Connecting Food, Culture, & History Through Foodways

about 4 years ago by Nicole Breazeale

Diane Mason, FCS Agent in Boone County, is a leader in Kentucky Cooperative Extension international ... Read More


Ripple Effect Mapping & Other Story-Based Methodologies to  Energize Volunteer Groups and Jump Start Participatory Planning: The Case of the Green River Area Extension Master Gardener Association

Ripple Effect Mapping & Other Story-Based Methodologies to Energize Volunteer Groups and Jump Start Participatory Planning: The Case of the Green River Area Extension Master Gardener Association

about 4 years ago by Nicole Breazeale

In August of 2019, CLD Extension faculty member, Dr. Nicole Breazeale, met with Horticulture Agent, ... Read More


Stories by Economic Development


Holiday Shop

Holiday Shop

about 4 years ago by Marsha Hagler

The Nelson County 4-H Council has a strong history of supporting the youth development program finan... Read More


Simpson County Extension Office Building Renovations

about 4 years ago by Jason Phillips

The Simpson County Extension Office moved to its current location in 1986, an old post office buildi... Read More