Whitley County 4-H has begun implementing the Life Smart Series for the senior high school class at Williamsburg City School. A growing problem among our young youth today is the importance of life skills. We have just completed a 6-week session with 53 high school students. Youth learned how to grocery shop on a budget, prepare meals for two and introduction kitchen cooking. 

4-H's motto is "Learn by Doing," and we did just that. We brought in fun and engaging activities that the youth could participate in while learning valuable life skills. In this 6-week session: 

• 69% of youth reported that they will prepare more healthy meals that are home-cooked.
• 25% of youth 
• 41% of youth reported the intention to help prepare more meals at home.
• 100% of youth learned a new way to reduce food shopping costs (comparing prices, planning meals, and making shopping lists)

These lessons were created to help middle and high school youth learn practical things to handle life's challenges. As our first pilot group, we saw an increase of self-esteem cooking meals in the kitchen, decrease in food insecurities, and the gaining of knowledge for weekly meal planning. More to come in following sessions, we will cover important life skills like first aid, budgeting, car maintenance, laundry, personal hygiene, and getting ready for work. The goal is to give young people real-world knowledge. 

By teaming up with teachers, using engaging teaching methods and working with community partners (Health Department and Family Resource Youth Services Center), we will make sure these life skills stick with the students and jumpstart their adult life after high school. This program is already showing it is going to make a positive impact. We love that the community will be working together to help their youth succeed and face life's challenges with confidence.