Success Story ITs Your Reality



ITs Your Reality

Author: Renata Farmer

Planning Unit: Knox County CES

Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)

Plan of Work: Promoting personal development of the adult and child

Outcome: Initial Outcome

A recent study by AIPCA revealed that only 13 percent of parents talk to their children about money matters regularly.  3 out of 10 parents never talk about money at all with their children. According to the study, parents are more likely to talk about good manners or about the dangers of drugs and alcohol more than they are about financial literacy.  The Knox County 4-H program responded to requests by teachers for financial literacy/work-force prep programs by collaborating with the Youth Service Centers to offer the It's Your Reality Program.  During the program, the 4-H Reality Store, a real-life work-force prep & budgeting activity was conducted.
2 schools and 14 volunteers led approximately 200 high school students through the program where they received a monthly income based on their grades in school and highlighted career choice. Students were given the challenge to budget their income so that they could make purchases at each of the 12 different booths including transportation, child care, utilities, health insurance and more. When the program began, a pre-test of participants revealed that 60 percent of students thought they understood the concept of a budget, while 80 percent understood the differences between needs and wants. At the end of the program:

  • approximately 90 percent understood the need to budget their income
  • 90 percent believed they could make wise financial decisions
  •  95 percent of youths understood the relationship between good performance in school, career choice and the importance of budgeting. 82 percent of students stayed within their allotted income. 





Stories by Renata Farmer


Life Skills & Speed Interviews

about 4 months ago by Renata Farmer

Life skills are essential in preparing youth for success in life. Leadership is one of the most impo... Read More


Youth try fruit & vegetables

about 4 months ago by Renata Farmer

With the growing number of families eating on the run instead of cooking at home, many young adults ... Read More


Stories by Knox County CES


Horses and Horseman-helping horse owners

about 4 months ago by Robert Kirby

Horses and Horsemen – helping horse owners.When developing an extension education program, the terms... Read More


Seed Planting and Growing

about 4 months ago by Robert Kirby

According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a person should consume fruits and vege... Read More