The problem

Woodfill Elementary School in Ft Thomas began working with the Campbell County Extension office in 2022, when the Horticulture team helped the 3rd grade teachers implement an idea to have their students grow microgreens & sell them at a local farmer's market. When the students began handling money at the market, the teachers realized the students did not have much experience or understanding about money management. 

The educational program response

This year, they reached out to Campbell County 4-H for help teaching their students about spending and saving in an engaging, hands-on way. The 4-H Dollars & Sense program was a perfect fit, it engages students in real-life, age-appropriate, budgeting scenarios. Each student receives an allowance and learns how to purchase their needs and wants as their budget permits. They also must plan their expenses around caring for an assigned pet.

The participants/target audience

On November 6th and 8th, 84 third grade students participated in the Dollars & Sense program at Woodfill Elementary. Twenty adult volunteers helped conduct the program.

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.

After participating, 95% of students reported that they would think about the cost of an item before purchasing it, 87% planned to consider needs versus wants before making a purchase, and 90% planned to consider their budget before making a purchase. An adult volunteer shared, "It will lay the foundation for thoughtfulness concerning finances. They will see the direct correlation between what you earn and where it goes." All of the educators were satisfied with the program and intend to repeat it next year.