As a baseline for data on what our youth want from our community and how they feel about it, we launched a youth survey tool in the spring of 2022 in cooperation with Estill County Schools. You may download the report of our findings by clicking the link below, or you may scroll down to read the report on this page.
Estill County Youth Survey - 2022 Undertaken by Estill Development Alliance in cooperation with Estill County Schools
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROCESS Questions for this survey were borrowed and adapted from multiple similar surveys around the state and country. Questions were then reviewed for content as well as reading level to ensure no student felt excluded. All surveys were taken online using the Question Pro software. The link was shared with the two student bodies by ECHS Principal Josh Yost and ECMS Interim Principal Tim Burkhart, and responses were collected between April 22 and May 10, 2022. SURVEY PARTICIPANTS The focus of this survey is on the public school students in sixth through twelfth grades in Estill County. Enrollment fluctuates regularly, so for the sake of rough statistics, 20-21 official enrollments were used. Estill County High School had an enrollment of 667 students and Estill County Middle School had an enrollment of 546 students, for a total surveyable population of 1,213. Given the latest population of Estill County from the United States Census Bureau is 14,092, the focus of this survey represents 8.6% of the residents of Estill County. Of the 1,213 possible respondents, 953 viewed the survey, or 78.6%. Of those 953, 711 students responded to at least part of the survey, for a participation rate of 74.6% and representing 58.6% of the students enrolled in both schools. Additionally, a total of 557 students completed the entire survey.
BIAS STATEMENT It should be noted that some survey questions were open-response style. That required the compiler of these answers, EDA Executive Director Joe Crawford, to make decisions on grouping similar answers for reporting purposes. All possible care was taken to ensure the intent and spirit of each response was represented as accurately as possible; however, some bias or misunderstanding, albeit minimal, is undoubtedly present in this report.
HIGHLIGHTS (“we” and “here” refer to Estill County)
Over 83% felt we need more fun outdoor activities for youth.
Over 80% of respondents felt youth should have more of a voice in our community’s future.
Over 78% felt we need more programs allowing youth involvement.
Over 77% felt we need better internet and cell phone access.
Over 76% felt we need to focus on being healthier as a community.
Over 73% felt we need more youth arts and culture programs.
Over 71% felt we need better technology in schools.
Over 70% felt we should have more youth leadership training.
Over 70% felt we need to better educate youth on opportunities that exist here.
Over 69% felt they could find a good job here after high school or college.
Over 64% planned to pursue some sort of higher learning after high school.
By a large margin, the most had plans to attend EKU (33.3%), with UK (20.9%) being second.
The top 3 intended fields of study were nursing (8.8%), health/medicine (8%), and education (6.7%).
Over 58% were generally happy living in Estill County.
Top positives for living here were friends (9.1%), good schools/teachers (7.6%), family (7%), nice people/inclusive 6.5%), and that it’s home (4.9%).
Top negatives for living here were not enough to do (by a large margin) (12.9%), not enough jobs/opportunities (7.8%), people are mean/closed-minded (4.7%), and unsafe/crime/drug use (2.5%).
Over 52% felt their community cares about them.
Positive reasons for that were that they feel welcome/included (21.1%), have family here/feel loved (20.1%), and that people will do anything for you (17.4%).
Negative reasons were that they’re not known (16.8%), people are selfish/fake/don’t care (16.1%), and discrimination (6%).
Less than 48% said someone has talked to them about starting a business as a possible career path.
Over 47% felt they have the opportunity to make Estill a better place to live, while over 34% say “maybe”.
Over 40% struggled with depression, anxiety, or other mental/emotional health issues, and 41% felt there isn’t enough support for young people dealing with those issues.
Only 40% said someone has talked to them about opportunities here after graduation.
For those inclined to volunteer, they wished to have opportunities for cleanup (30%), decorating (20.5%), community events (17.1%), building/landscaping (13.4%), and animal shelter (6.1%) the most.
The top qualities that make a community they want to live in were: good jobs (10%), good schools (9.7%), a good place to raise children (9.4%), and a clean environment (9%).
For those not pursuing higher ed, most planned to go to work (51.4%), followed by owning their own business (20%).
Finding out about community events came from friends or family (24.1%), social media (22.1%), or school announcements (17.7%) the most.
Their social media usage included Snapchat (20.2%), Tiktok (18.9%), Youtube (18.4%), and Instagram (15.9%) the most. Facebook (11.7%) was the fifth most used social media.
Picturing themselves at age 22, most saw themselves living in Kentucky but not Estill County (27.8%), followed closely by living in Estill County (26.9%).
The largest portion of respondents were age 14 (21%) with the smallest portion being 19 (1%). Likewise, the largest portion of respondents were in 8th grade (24%) with the smallest portion being in 12th grade (6%).
When addressing “something for the kids to do,” they felt the most popular “things for kids to do” would be: more and better parks (11.3%), more sports (10.9%), places to hang out (9.9%), more outdoor activities (7.3%), bowling (7.1%), more/better events (6.9%), and a community center/fun stuff (6.9%).
The top things we don’t have right now that would make it a better place to live were entertainment/more fun things to do (20%), restaurants (14.5%), and shopping (10.6%).
The top things they believed adults should know about being a young person in Estill County were: it’s harder than adults think (40.4%), they want to be heard (17%), bullying/discrimination/mental health need more attention (15.3%), the community is boring (13.2%), and kids like to hang out and have fun (10.6%).
Please show how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: (Strongly disagree = 1 => Strongly agree = 5)
Youth should be allowed a stronger voice in planning for the future of our community. Responses: 625Average Answer: 4.08
Strongly Disagree162.56% Disagree162.56% Neither Agree or Disagree9114.56% Agree27944.64% Strongly Agree22335.68%
Estill County should have more youth leadership training. Responses: 624Average Answer: 3.86
Strongly Disagree121.92% Disagree193.04% Neither Agree or Disagree15625% Agree29747.6% Strongly Agree14022.44%
Please show how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: (Strongly disagree = 1 => Strongly agree = 5)
Estill County leaders should come up with more programs that allow youth involvement in our community and community activities. Responses: 624Average Answer: 4.07
Strongly Disagree71.12% Disagree182.88% Neither Agree or Disagree11117.79% Agree27744.39% Strongly Agree21133.81%
Estill County leaders should develop more youth programs for arts and culture. Responses: 623Average Answer: 3.97
Strongly Disagree101.61% Disagree274.33% Neither Agree or Disagree12720.39% Agree26742.86% Strongly Agree19230.82%
Please show how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: (Strongly disagree = 1 => Strongly agree = 5)
Youth should have more opportunities to participate in fun outdoor activities. Responses: 620Average Answer: 4.25
Strongly Disagree111.77% Disagree162.58% Neither Agree or Disagree7411.94% Agree22235.81% Strongly Agree29747.9%
Estill County should focus more on making the health of all of our residents better. Responses: 617Average Answer: 4.09
Strongly Disagree121.94% Disagree132.11% Neither Agree or Disagree11819.12% Agree23838.57% Strongly Agree23638.25%
Please show how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: (Strongly disagree = 1 => Strongly agree = 5)
Estill County should make technology better in our schools. Responses: 621Average Answer: 4.03
Strongly Disagree50.81% Disagree243.86% Neither Agree or Disagree15124.32% Agree21133.98% Strongly Agree23037.04%
Estill County needs to get better internet and cell phone access. Responses: 628Average Answer: 4.18
Strongly Disagree60.96% Disagree253.98% Neither Agree or Disagree11117.68% Agree19731.37% Strongly Agree28946.02%
Please show how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: (Strongly disagree = 1 => Strongly agree = 5)
Estill County should better educate youth on opportunities within our county and surrounding counties so more youth will come back to the community after higher education/training. Responses: 624Average Answer: 3.97
Strongly Disagree81.28% Disagree233.69% Neither Agree or Disagree15124.2% Agree24238.78% Strongly Agree20032.05%
Someone has talked to me about opportunities to come back to or stay in Estill County after graduation. Responses: 630Average Answer: 3.1
Strongly Disagree7712.22% Disagree11618.41% Neither Agree or Disagree18529.37% Agree17026.98% Strongly Agree8213.02%
Please show how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: (Strongly disagree = 1 => Strongly agree = 5)
Someone has taught me about starting my own business (entrepreneurship) as a possibility for my future. Responses: 625Average Answer: 3.22
Strongly Disagree7311.68% Disagree11318.08% Neither Agree or Disagree14022.4% Agree20132.16% Strongly Agree9815.68%
How sure are you that you can get a job after high school or college in Estill County that pays a salary you can live comfortably on? (634 Responses)
Very sure19029.97% Somewhat sure25039.43% Really don't know what options exist9615.14% Somewhat not sure578.99% Very not sure416.47%
Thinking about everything, how happy are you living in Estill County? Tip: Think about your health, things to do, quality of education, job opportunities, community events, inclusiveness. (605 Responses)
Very Unhappy294.79% Unhappy538.76% Neutral17028.1% Happy23939.5% Very Happy11418.84%
Why do you feel this way? (628 Responses)
Positive Reasons (54.8%)
Friends57 (9.1%) Good schools/teachers48 (7.6%) Family44 (7%) Nice people/inclusive41 (6.5%) Home31 (4.9%) Outdoor recreation/sports24 (3.8%) Everyone knows each other23 (3.6%) Small Town/welcoming21 (3.3%) Jobs15 (2.3%) Scenery14 (2.2%) Community events13 (2.1%) Good healthcare6 (1%) Safe/low crime4 (0.6%) Great restaurants2 (0.3%) ATC1 (0.1%)
Negative Reasons (45.2%) Not enough to do81 (12.9%) Not enough jobs/opportunities49 (7.8%) People are mean/closed-minded30 (4.7%) Unsafe/crime/drug use16 (2.5%) Too small12 (1.9%) Unfair/Last names matter too much12 (1.9%) Discrimination/lack of diversity11 (1.8%) Rampant bullying10 (1.6%) No higher ed options9 (1.4%) Not enough community events9 (1.4%) Homophobia8 (1.3%) Not enough/variety of restaurants8 (1.3%) Older people don’t want change7 (1.1%) Racism7 (1.1%) Need more mental health support5 (0.8%) Need more/better shopping4 (0.6%) Not enough housing3 (0.5%) Too much trash3 (0.5%)
Do you feel you have the opportunity to help make Estill County a better place to live? (635 Responses)
If you’re willing to volunteer, please list some things you would enjoy volunteering to do (examples: town cleanup, landscaping, decorating, help with community events): (560 Responses)
Cleanup151 (30%) Decorating115 (20.5%) Community Events96 (17.1%) Building/landscaping75 (13.4%) Animal shelter34 (6.1%) Homeless/Food bank22 (3.9%) Fundraising12 (2.1%) Helping the elderly10 (1.8%) Tutoring/watching kids9 (1.6%) Outdoor activities7 (1.3%) Art/painting murals6 (1.1%) Sports-related5 (0.9%) Cooking for people4 (0.7%) Fire department3 (0.5%) Hospital2 (0.4%) Collecting stories (oral history)2 (0.4%) Search and rescue2 (0.4%) Parking cars1 (0.2%) Peer support1 (0.2%) Library1 (0.2%) Pet sitting1 (0.2%) Mental health awareness1 (0.2%)
In your opinion, what are the THREE most important THINGS THAT MAKE UP A COMMUNITY you would want to live in after high school? (2639 Responses)
Good jobs265(10%) Good schools256(9.7%) Good place to raise children248(9.4%) Clean environment239(9%) Low crime rate204(7.7%) Same opportunities for everyone (Equity)203(7.7%) Fun outdoor opportunities193(7.3%) Being close to family193(7.3%) Access to health care190(7.2%) Good places to eat160(6.1%) Access to sports154(5.8%) Good shopping111(4.2%) Access to arts and culture100(3.8%) Religious or spiritual values87(3.3%) Other36(1.4%)
If you chose "other" please explain. (36 Responses)
In general, do you feel like your community cares about you? (608 Responses)
Yes317(52.1%) No100(16.5%) I don't know191(31.4%)
Why do you feel this way? (298 Responses)
Positive Reasons (58.7%) Feel welcome/included63 (21.1%) Family here/feel loved60 (20.1%) People will do anything for you52 (17.4%)
Negative Reasons (41.3%) I’m not known50 (16.8%) People are selfish/fake/don’t care48 (16.1%) Discrimination18 (6%) No future/no opportunities5 (1.7%) Feel unsafe2 (0.7%)
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental/emotional health issues? (601 Responses)
Yes243(40.4%) No270(44.9%) I don't know.88(14.6%)
Do you feel like there is enough support in Estill County for young people dealing with these issues? (579 Responses)
Yes185(31%) No245(41%) I don't know.167(28%)
Do you plan on going to a 2 or 4 year college, trade or technical school, or university after graduating high school? (579 Responses)
Yes373(64.4%) No65(11.2%) I don't know.141(24.4%) If you answered yes to the question above, please list the schools you are thinking about attending: (537 Responses)
Kansas St., Coastal Carolina, Oklahoma St., Indiana St., Purdue, Washington St., West Point, Sullivan, Culinary School, St. Petersburg IN, Colorado, Clemson, Appalachian St., Alice Lloyd, Art School, Oregon, West VA, NKU, UC-Berkeley, Moore, Graceland-MO, Mississippi St., Johnson & Wales, Notre Dame, Vermont, Cornell, Penn St., Boston College, Wyoming, Utah, Dallas, Midway, and Tampa each had 1 (0.2%) for a total of 33 (6.2%).
If you answered yes to the question above, please list the topics you plan on studying: (477 Responses)
If you answered no to the question above, please tell us what your plans are. For example, if you plan to go to work, list what kind of work you plan to do and where: (35 Responses)
Work18 (51.4%) Own my own business7 (20%) Farming3 (8.6%) Video/Youtuber3 (8.6%) Construction2 (5.7%) Military2 (5.7%)
How do you find out about community events and other things to do in Estill County? (1676 Responses)
Friends or Family405(24.1%) Social Media370(22.1%) School announcements297(17.7%) Internet search120(7.2%) Newspaper116(6.9%) Fliers sent home from school102(6.1%) TV97(5.8%) Radio86(5.1%) Local websites83(5%) What social media platforms do you use regularly? (2032 Responses)
Out of State (178 Responses (32.6%)) Florida25 (4.6%) California15 (2.7%) Texas15 (2.7%) Tennessee12 (2.2%) US (Not KY)11 (2%) New York10 (1.8%) Alabama10 (1.8%) Colorado9 (1.6%) Montana7 (1.3%) Ohio7 (1.3%) Arizona5 (0.9%) Louisiana4 (0.7%) Washington4 (0.7%) Illinois3 (0.5%) Georgia3 (0.5%) Indiana3 (0.5%) Wyoming3 (0.5%) North Carolina3 (0.5%) Utah2 (0.4%) Maine2 (0.4%) West Virginia2 (0.4%) Massachusetts2 (0.4%) Japan2 (0.4%) United Kingdom2 (0.4%)
North Dakota, Oregon, Arkansas, Virginia, Delaware, South Carolina, Idaho, Alaska, New Jersey, Africa, Norway, Canada, Iceland, Sweden, Germany, Spain, and Russia each had 1 (0.2%) for a total of (3.4%).
When adults talk about what Estill County needs, the biggest need is often “something for the kids to do.” Please list what you feel would be the most popular “thing for kids to do” that local leaders could try to make happen: (576 Responses)
More and better parks65 (11.3%) More sports63 (10.9%) Places to hang out57 (9.9%) More outdoor activities42 (7.3%) Bowling41 (7.1%) More/better events40 (6.9%) Community center/fun stuff40 (6.9%) Skating rink35 (6.1%) Theaters/movies34 (5.9%) Arcades23 (4%) Public pool19 (3.3%) More restaurants17 (3%) Community clean-up13 (2.3%) Tracks/riding trails13 (2.3%) Gaming9 (1.6%) Culture/public art9 (1.6%) More shopping9 (1.6%) Water/splash park9 (1.6%) Fishing6 (1%) Amusement parks5 (0.9%) More groups for kids5 (0.9%) Let kids express ideas3 (0.5%) Pool room3 (0.5%) Bounce/trampoline park3 (0.5%) Skate park3 (0.5%) Gym2 (0.3%) Mini golf2 (0.3%) Go karts2 (0.3%) Laser tag2 (0.3%) Community garden1 (0.2%) Escape room1 (0.2%)
What is the one thing Estill County doesn’t have right now that you feel would make it a better place to live? (415 Responses)
Please tell us anything else you believe we should know about being a young person in Estill County. (235 Responses)
It’s harder than adults think95 (40.4%) Listen to young people!40 (17%) Bullying/discrimination/mental health need more attention36 (15.3%) The community is boring31 (13.2%) Kids like to hang out and have fun25 (10.6%) Young people don’t feel safe5 (2.1%) The county needs to be cleaned up2 (0.9%) Young people want to leave here1 (0.4%)
