CRD Program Highlights
Success Stories
Discover how the Community Resource Development team empowers, strenghtens, and supports communities across Kentucky through Cooperative Extension programming.
Community Leadership Development
May 2025 – June 2025; Statewide
Kentucky communities identified a critical need for stronger, more qualified local leaders. Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension/Blueprint Kentucky, and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce collaboratively launched the Kentucky Community Leadership Programs Network (KCLPN). The initiative began with a statewide leadership summit and expanded into regional leadership workshops.
Resources
- NIDB Impact Report: “Strengthening Community Leadership Development Programs Through a Statewide Network and Regional Summits"
- Kentucky Community Leadership Programs Network Webpage
- Virtual Map – Kentucky Organizations Supporting Leadership Development
- A Toolkit for Planning Community Leadership Development Programs
Deploying the "Disaster Recovery Unit" In Response to Historic Regional Flooding
(April 2025; Frankfort, KY)
Beginning on April 2, 2025, a series of severe weather events caused historic rainfall, flash floods, and tornadoes (DR-4864-KY) that affected 64 counties, including Frankfort, KY — the capital city of Kentucky and home to Kentucky State University (KYSU). The Community Resource Development Disaster Education team coordinated a multi-day flood recovery effort from April 7–12, 2025.
Resources
- Interview with CRD Program Leader on Disaster Recovery Efforts in Frankfort, KY
- Article – “Preparing Kentucky for the Unexpected”
- Presentation at the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Annual Conference (October 2025)
- KYSU Drone Footage – Historic Flooding in Frankfort, KY #1
- KYSU Drone Footage – Historic Flooding in Frankfort, KY #2
Establishing a Home-Based Baking Business
(March 2025; Lexington, KY)
In urban communities, many individuals with strong talents and entrepreneurial dreams
lack the knowledge and support to turn their hobbies into sustainable businesses.
Cooperative Extension can respond with practical, client-centered support. KYSU Cooperative
Extension’s State Specialist in Entrepreneurship helped transform a local baker’s
dream into a thriving, legally established business.
Celebrating the Inaugural “Urban Growers Program” Cohort at Kentucky State University’s
Annual Small Farmers Conference
(May 2025 – October 2025; West Louisville, KY)
In May 2025, Kentucky State University (KYSU) Cooperative Extension launched the Urban
Growers Program (UGP) in Louisville, Kentucky’s West End, providing a critical response
to the social, environmental, and physical challenges encountered in this urban community.
The program concluded in October 2025, with 27 graduating participants.
Funded by the USDA NRCS “Equity in Conservation Outreach” Cooperative Agreement.
Resources