Statistics and general public feedback show that many students don’t have the financial knowledge and skills to make healthy financial decisions. Money management and career path development are both important areas that need to be addressed among our youth population, so they are better equipped to make healthier financial decisions. The local Middle and High School requested the 4-H Reality Store program.  The 4-H Reality Store program is a real-life simulation that allows the student to see how their financial choices in relation to their salary based on their career path will affect their overall financial situation. Participants received educational majors and salaries based on their interests and then were assigned a number of children 0-2 at random.

The Owsley County Extension 4-H Agent collaborated with the County School System, middle and high school family resource youth services coordinators, teachers and 55 community members from local businesses/organizations to bring this event to all students in grades 8^th-12^th during the 2023/2024 school year. The 4-H agent worked with teachers to provide curriculum to complete five lessons in financial management prior to the event. 

One of the topics students covered in class prior to the Reality Store was evaluating career choices. Many students indicated their career choice may change after the experience.

In total 354 8^th, 9^th, 10, 11^th, and 12^th graders participated in the program. At the conclusion of the programs participants completed a survey on knowledge gained as a result of participating in the 4-H Reality Store. Survey results concluded the following:

95% shared they felt their knowledge of budgeting money increased after the program

92 % shared they increased their knowledge of making wise financial decisions

95% shared they increased their knowledge in how much money it takes to raise a child

89% shared they better understand the need for saving for the future

One student was reported to say that “I didn’t realize how expensive it was to raise kids, I didn’t know it was this hard for my parents”, as well as, “ I am waiting until I am out of college and have a job to have kids”.