Community Resource Development
Offices
Frankfort
105 University Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601
West Louisville
1300 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY 40203
Who We Are
Within the Kentucky State University Cooperative ExtensioSpacer Elementn Service, the Community Resource Development (CRD) team plays a vital role in advancing KSU’s mission at an 1890 Land-Grant Institution by empowering underserved communities through education, outreach, and capacity-building initiatives. CRD professionals work collaboratively with local leaders, organizations, and residents to identify and address critical community needs, fostering sustainable development and improving quality of life. By leveraging research, technical assistance, and training, CRD promotes economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship, aligning with the university's commitment to enhancing the well-being of diverse populations and strengthening community resilience.
The CRD team is comprised of strong, diverse individuals who bring both personal and professional subject matter expertise in the following priority areas:
Community Resilience & Well-Being
Empowering individuals and communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from challenges while promoting overall health and wellness.
Disaster Education
Building community preparedness and resilience through research-based education on natural and man-made hazards including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Programs
- Text
Publications
- Monthly CRD Disaster Preparedness Tip Sheets
Disaster Health & Wellness
Strengthening community and public health systems through education, technical assistance, and partner connections to boost health and wellbeing, increase personal and community disaster preparedness, resilience, and recovery, and to promote workplace well-being.
Programs
- Scam Safe and Money Ready
Publications
- Monthly
Nutrition Education
Providing hands-on nutrition education and cooking demonstrations that make healthy eating practical, affordable, and culturally relevant for individuals and families across the lifespan.
Programs
- Text
Publications
- Monthly
Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurship
Supporting individuals, small businesses, and communities in fostering economic growth and financial stability in the agriculture industry.
Entrepreneurship in Agriculture
Supporting agricultural entrepreneurs through education, technical assistance, and partner connections related to business planning, marketing, finance, diversification, and access to capital.
Programs
- Kentucky Agribuisiness Library (Coming soon!)
- Urban Farm Buisness Series
- Louisville Urban Growers Alliance
- Urban Growers Program
- Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana: "Urban Ag Discovery Center"
Publications
Land Retention & Wealth Development
Providing education and technical assistance on heirs’ property, estate planning, land retention, and building generational wealth through asset management and business development.
Programs
- Text
Publications
- Monthly
Leadership & Community Development
Providing tools and strategies to help families build and preserve financial stability, fostering long-term economic empowerment and intergenerational success.
Leadership Development
Strengthening community and organizational capacity through leadership development, facilitation, civic engagement, and skill-building programs.
Programs
- Kentucky Community Leadership Programs Network (KCLPN)
Publications
Urban Community Development
Building individual and community capacity through education focused on financial readiness, safe job searching, and essential workplace skills to support long-term economic and career success.
Programs
- Scam Safe and Money Ready
Publications
- Monthly
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
Promoting and improving local food systems to increase healthy food access.
Urban Horticultural Production
Offering research-based education and technical assistance in urban horticulture, soil health, plant health management, and sustainable crop production for small-scale and community-based growers.
Programs
Publications
- Text
Local Food Systems
Strengthening local food systems by supporting urban growers, food entrepreneurs, and community partners focused on sustainable production, food access, and market development.
Programs
Urban Growers Program (Louisville): The Urban Growers Program is a hands-on training and support initiative that helps aspiring and beginning growers build skills in sustainable food production, business development, and local market access. Through workshops, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences, participants gain the knowledge and resources needed to grow, sell, and share food within their communities. The program also fosters a strong network of growers working together to strengthen local food systems and improve food access. Applications for the second cohort are open until March 29 at 11:59 PM! Learn more and apply here: 2026 Louisville Urban Growers Application
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Providing education and technical assistance in controlled environment agriculture, including hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, and greenhouse and high-tunnel systems.
Programs
- Text
Publications
- Text
Contacts
Highlights
Discover how KSU Community Resource Development strengthens Kentucky communities through meaningful projects, innovative partnerships, and local impact. Explore CRD's program highlights to learn more about the people and programs shaping stronger, more resilient communities.
Upcoming Events
Stay connected with the latest events from KSU Community Resource Development. Explore upcoming workshops, trainings, and community programs designed to support strong, engaged, and resilient Kentucky communities.
