Grayson County CES

Title:

Advance Adult & Youth Life Skills Preparation

MAP:

Building Strong Families in Grayson County

Agents Involved:

Ewing Jones, K.; Taul, N.; Carman, W

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours

Situation:

A large percentage of Grayson County citizens lack the life skills necessary to function effectively in modern society. County school teachers report that students lack problem solving skills and decision making skills. Parents are often unable to help students since they also lack these same skills.


Grayson County has seen a steady rise in substance abuse over the past several years. From 2011-2014 there were 36 overdose deaths reported and countless other reports indicating that overdose not resulting in death is also on the rise. Youth need to be made aware of the severe consequences that can affect their lives and their futures.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Grayson County youth will become responsible, self sufficient citizens that take an active role in county life. This will include an increase in job readiness skills, youth aspiring to attain highers levels of education and an increase in use of critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Participants will reduce their long term risk for substance abuse.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Citizens must be able to get and keep a job. Youth must be able to set personal and career goals and have the self discipline to attain those goals. All individuals will increase knowledge to develop personal and family stability.

Data indicates a decreased number of youth involved in substance abuse practices.

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will increase their knowledge of the connection between education and financial stability. Individuals will increase their knowledge of effective life skills, including budgeting for family needs.

Participants will increase knowledge about the legal, health, emotional, and financial consequences of substance abuse.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Goal of youth aspiring to further their education after high school
Indicator: Youth will plan for post-secondary education (college or vocational school)
Method: In classroom prep and evaluation of Reality Store (8th grade participants) and Dollars & Sense (5th grade participants).
Timeline: Spring

Initial Outcome: Participants will increase knowledge about the legal, health, emotional, and financial consequences of substance abuse.
Indicator: Number of participants reporting increased knowledge and awareness
Method: pre/post survey and evaluations
Timeline: pre/post program

Intermediate Outcome: Data indicates a decreased number of youth involved in substance abuse practices.
Indicator: Number of participants reporting decreased involvement in substance abuse practices.
Method: survey
Timeline: 3 month follow up

Long-term Outcome: Participants will reduce their long term risk for substance abuse.
Indicator: Number of participants reporting behaviors that lower their risk for substance abuse
Method: survey
Timeline: 6 month follow up.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: All Grayson County Middle School 8th grade students
Project or Activity: Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: Financial management, education and career goals, value of education
Inputs: Curriculum for youth involved in program, Reality Store will be held at the Grayson County Middle School and will be coordinated by Grayson County 4-H Agent, assisted by FCS and ANR agents. Collaborators will be County Chamber of Commerce, Leitchfield Family Resource Center, and Grayson County Middle School personnel. Community volunteers will work with students at different booths. Funding will be provided by collaborators.
Date: Spring

Audience: Grayson County 5th Grade Students
Project or Activity: Dollars and Sense
Content or Curriculum: Financial management, value of education
Inputs: Curriculum for youth involved in program, Dollars and Sense will be held at Grayson County Elementary Schools with 5th grade students and will be coordinated by Grayson County 4-H Agent, assisted by FCS and ANR agents. Collaborators will be Family Resource Centers and Grayson County Elementary School teachers. Community volunteers will work with students at different booths. Funding will be provided by collaborators.
Date: Spring

Audience: Grayson County High School Freshman
Project or Activity: Truth and Consequences
Content or Curriculum: Truth and Consequences
Inputs: FRC coordinator, school officials, community volunteers, local businesses related to or dealing with substance abuse, materials, facilities, UK publications and curriculum
Date: March

Success Stories