According to an article published by the National Association of Students Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), most incoming college students struggle to answer basic financial literacy questions. For young adults entering college or the workforce, having basic financial literacy is vital to their future financial success.

In 2020, Money Sense for Graduates was developed as a collaborative effort between the Christian County Family & Consumer Sciences agent, a planning committee, and local schools. The program was established to provide high school seniors with the tools necessary for them to be successful as they move on from high school and begin to take on more financial responsibility.  Due to the success of the program in 2020, Money Sense for Graduates was offered again in 2021 but in a virtual format due to COVID-19 restrictions. Seniors from both public high schools participated in a series of lessons that covered topics from banking to spending habits that were featured through recorded videos, podcast, and publications.

Following a successful two years, the Christian County FCS Agent and 4-H Agents were invited to present at the national meeting of Epsilon Sigma Phi.  The presentation showcased the validity of the program and provided a roadmap to fellow extension professionals on how to replicate this in their home state.  During that presentation, participants were given materials and potential connections to allow them to replicate this program in their home county. 80% of participants felt they were better able to understand how to utilize community partners in consumer and financial education.  60% of participants felt confident in replicating this program in their home community.  100% of participants plan to implement this program in their home community, due to 100% of participants identifying this as a program their community needs.