With the changing economic lookout for the future it is more important than ever that youth be better prepared for entering the workforce. A decision that the youth make in their education program will have a major impact and their future earning potential.

 To increase awareness of financial management issues for youth and the importance of career selection, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Adair County School System, local and state agencies, and local businesses to sponsor career selection programs and Reality Store. 212 youth participated in mock job interviews, filled out job applications, and then participated in a financial management activity call Reality Store. In the Reality Store program, the youth had to take one month’s income from their job and try to survive like their parents. The youth had to pay their taxes, provide for their family, find housing and transportation, and all other expenses that the average family will have. Sixty-four local adult volunteer leaders assisted with the Reality Store and interview programs.

 A pre and post-survey revealed that 89 percent said they had a better understanding of what it took to live in today’s economy. 87 percent of the youth stated it that selecting the right career choice was more important to them. 93 percent of the youth stated they felt more comfortable about doing an actual job interview after participating in the program.