You may have had times in your adult life where you have thought, “I wish I had learned that in school” or “I have no idea how to do that.” When it comes to many adult topics, like how to make a will or how home mortgages work, we often find ourselves learning as we go. A Webster County 4-H program took some of that guesswork out for youth and gave them valuable information that they will need as adults.

In 2018 the KY LifeSmarts program was implemented into the Webster County 4-H program.  KY Lifesmarts is a quiz program for interested sixth- through 12th-graders. LifeSmarts is the nation’s premier consumer program, providing real-world education to students who learn about core consumer topics and develop critical thinking skills and leadership opportunities. LifeSmarts is a comprehensive consumer education program that was available to middle school and high school students in Webster County. 

Participants learned valuable life information as they covered five areas: environment, personal finance, technology, consumer rights and responsibilities, and health and safety. Interested young people gather in teams of four and begin competing online by answering questions that range from what is adware to what documents are considered public records. The highest scoring teams were invited to appear at the state championships, where teams competed in various in person competition. 

In 2019 Webster County had 4 High School 4-H members who qualified and won the state Lifesmarts contest and went on to place 8^th at the National Lifesmarts Contest.  In 2020 Webster County had 4 middle school youth and 5 High School youth who qualified for the 2020 State contest with both teams winning the state contest and qualifying for the National Lifesmarts contest. In 2021 A group of Webster County 4-H’ers took top honors at the 2021 National LifeSmarts Championship, becoming the first Kentucky 4-H team to do so. To make it to the championship round, students had to create an infographic, participate in a team activity with another team and answer quick-recall style challenge questions. As national champions, each 4-H’er on the Webster County team received $1,500 in scholarship money, a total of $7,500. 

In addition to the national championship, Webster County 4-H’er and team captain, was named the LifeSmarts Student of the Year. Webster County 4-H has won the State LifeSmarts Contest for 5 years in a row and recently competed at the National LifeSmarts contest in Cincinnati, Ohio placing 10^th in the nation.

The Webster County youth who participated in the LifeSmarts program used critical thinking skills, introduced to new experiences, and allowed them to forge new friendships with students from across the country. LifeSmarts also improved the quality of life of students who participate, instilling confidence and leadership skills that will last a lifetime and have a ripple effect on their communities. 

Comments from past lifeSmarts participants:

 “I am now better equipped for adult life because of lifesmarts. I knew how to fill out a W4 form correctly to keep from owing taxes when I filed my tax return.”

“LifeSmarts has taught me the practical skills that every adult truly needs to know,”  “From how to file taxes to how to test a smoke alarm, I have learned skills that I will carry throughout my life. As I transition into adulthood, I feel infinitely more prepared because of my participation in this program.”?I am now better equipped for adult life because of lifesmarts. 

“LifeSmarts has provided me knowledge in areas that my school education has not. It has made me more confident in my financial future and my life as a consumer.”

“Lifesmarts had increased my knowledge in many areas other than my personal endeavors within the technology field. I feel I wouldn’t be as confident in the future without my time competing in Lifesmarts. Just the practicing and camaraderie has prepared me for my future aspirations more than anything has before.”