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Participants in MU Extension’s REACH for Camden County youth development program met with Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger, center, at the Capitol in February 2026. Also pictured: Left of Wasinger is Lisa Washburn, associate vice chancellor for MU Extension and Engagement. Right of Wasinger are Noah Washburn, MU Extension director of strategic partnership development, and Ashley Allen-Brown, an MU Extension specialist and originator of the REACH program.
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — More local students are learning what jobs exist close to home, and more employers are building relationships with future workers, thanks to a new workforce pilot program now drawing national notice.
In just its first year at Camdenton High School, the REACH (Resilient Economies and Community Health) program has connected hundreds of students with local employers, helped young people better understand career options in their own communities and strengthened ties between schools and the workforce, says Ashley Allen-Brown, University of Missouri Extension regional economic development specialist and REACH team lead.
Those early results have earned the program national recognition from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP), which named REACH a 2026 National Runner-Up for Excellence in Community Development.
Results that matter—right now
In its first year as a pilot program at Camdenton High School, Allen-Brown says, REACH is already demonstrating significant impact:
- 1,359 students engaged through career and workforce programming.
- 100% of participating students reported increased awareness of local career opportunities—and reasons to stay in their community.
- 95% of students reported increased understanding of essential workforce readiness skills.
- 40-plus local employers and partners actively engaged.
- 100% of participating employers reported continued interaction with students after program involvement.
“These results reflect more than participation, they signal a shift in how young people see their future and how employers connect with the next generation of talent,” Allen-Brown says.
From data to action
REACH was developed in direct response to local workforce challenges, including an aging population, workforce shortages and limited visibility of career pathways for youths.
“Rather than focusing only on job placement, the program takes a broader, long-term approach—building awareness, skills and relationships that strengthen the local talent pipeline from within,” Allen-Brown says.
“This recognition is meaningful because it validates what we’re already seeing on the ground,” she adds. “Our students are more aware, more confident and more connected to opportunity. And our employers are more engaged than ever before.”
A pilot powered by partnership
Allen-Brown says the program is built on a collaborative model that includes the Camdenton R-III School District; local employers in healthcare, hospitality and skilled trades; workforce and economic development partners; the Camden County Commission and MU Extension Council in Camden County.
“These partners provide real-world experiences such as job shadowing, employer panels, mentoring and career exploration, ensuring students are not just learning about opportunities but actively engaging with them,” Allen-Brown said.
“This is what community development looks like in action,” she said. “It’s not one organization doing the work; it’s a community aligning around its future.”
A path forward
Though still in its early stages, REACH is already being recognized as a model for rural workforce development.
“This award is an honor,” Allen-Brown said. “But more importantly, it’s a signal that this work matters, and that it’s working.”
The program is designed for sustainability and replication, with plans to expand youth entrepreneurship and civic leadership opportunities and explore implementation in additional Missouri communities, she said.
About REACH
REACH (Resilient Economies and Community Health) is a University of Missouri Extension initiative designed to strengthen rural economies by connecting youth to local career pathways through workforce development, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.
About NACDEP
The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) supports extension educators and community development practitioners in building thriving communities through research-based programs and partnerships.