The Gallatin County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Agent, Lora Stewart collaborated with the Gallatin County Upper Elementary Librarian and the 5^th grade teachers to conduct Mini Society, an economic program to help children understand the American Enterprise System once a month throughout the school year.   The program reached 100 upper elementary students (5^th grade). They created their own “society” with their own town name, mayor, treasurer, and money cutter.  They designed their own currency and flag. They had “business” partners, and they created a business plan.  They learned how to market their business by using Canva to create newspaper advertisements as well as radio advertisements. They bought their supplies from the warehouse and make their products for the collimating event which is the 5^th grade Economics Fair. According to the 5^th grade teachers, they reached their goal of learning the definition pf various economic vocabulary words, how to use the media to market their business, and how to keep records. 

For a review of what they learned at the Economics Fair, the 5^th graders participate in Dollars and Sense. This is a collaboration with the local banks, homemakers, 4-H volunteers, the Judge Executive, the local Health Department, and the local library.  Each child is given $200.00, and they go to each “store” to purchase toys, candy, food, etc. By the end of the simulation, the 5^th graders have a better understanding of sales tax and how much it costs. 

By the time the youth enter 7^th grade, the Gallatin County Cooperative Extension Service collaborates with the 7^th grade teachers to “Its Your Reality” which introduces children to the “financial realities” associated with adulthood (food clothing, shelter). Upon approval, students have already talked about and received the equivalent of month’s salary for the career they intend to have after graduation. After completing the evaluation, students have a better understanding of the correlation between career, lifestyle, and education.