According to the 2019 UK Community needs assessment. 2 out of 3 of Knott County’s top priority issues identified for youth & family were “more youth life skills training (money management, life decision making, etc.) and “better family skills in reducing debt, increasing savings and financial planning.”  To address this priority an annual collaborative program with the elementary and high school FYRSCs, KCCHS Beta Club, Knott Co Board of Education and Knott Co 4-H to provide the “UK 4-H It’s Your Reality Store” program.  The program provides students with an experiential learning activity that focuses on financial literacy, life skills, and promotes healthy lifestyle choices.  The youth participants are 8^th graders, countywide.

     Teen leaders create a fun and interactive learning experience serving as mentors for the younger youth. Thirty-seven, KCCHS teen volunteers contributed a combined total of 185 volunteer hours.  According to the national 2022 volunteer rate for Kentucky, this totals $4,967.00 in-kind contribution to the program. 

     The results from the 2023-24 youth participants who indicated an excellent understanding of the concepts after the program:

1. Budgeting money 87% vs. 40 % pre-program
2. Making wise financial choices 88% vs. 53% pre- program
3. Cost of maintaining a household 90% vs. 56% pre-program
4. Cost of raising a child 97% vs. 36% pre-program
5. How career choices effect lifestyle 92% vs. 52% pre-program
6. The importance of saving for future economic goals 93% vs. 56% pre-program

Youth program participant’s comments.

“I learned to buy the important stuff first and the fun stuff after.”

“Kids are expensive.”

“It costs a lot to live a certain lifestyle.”

“How to save money.”

“Life’s not cheap.”

“How to pay taxes – I don’t like this.”

“How to spend money wisely.”

“Never have kids.”

     The program proves every year to be very successful in conveying the identified goals and produces positive outcomes.  Our county looks forward to the experiential learning opportunity and collaboration of community partners each year. 

Resources:

VOVT-Report-2023.pdf. Independent Sector. (2024, March 28). https://independentsector.org/