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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryMartin County Middle School It's Your Reality



Martin County Middle School It's Your Reality

Author: Joe Maynard

Planning Unit: Martin County CES

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Plan of Work: Better Living Through 4-H Programming

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

According to census.gov only 10% of Martin County citizens have a college degree compared to 37% nationally, 48% live in poverty and only 32% hold jobs. Due to facts like these and others, the 4-H council along with teachers and administrators at Martin County Middle School put a lot of effort into hosting “It’s Your Reality”.  The program is usually for high school sophomores but starting earlier and then revisiting in high school seems to be a better strategy moving forward.  It was great to be able to bring these valuable lessons back to Middle School Youth.

It’s Your Reality introduces students to the "financial realities" associated with the adulthood--provision of food, clothing, shelter, etc. for a family and how these relate to career choices. Upon arrival at It’s Your Reality, students received the equivalent of one month's salary for the career they intend to have after graduation. Participants went through each "store" purchasing housing, transportation, childcare, etc. By the end of the simulation, students understand the correlation between career, lifestyle, and education. 

The simulation is designed to help young women and men understand the impact of decisions made today or shortly after graduation on the course of their whole lives—decisions about educational paths, career options, lifetime mates and family living. They should make these critical decisions with knowledge and a sophisticated attitude about the realities of and options for their futures. 

Middle School students experience a series of events to gain workforce preparation education to enhance the It’s Your Reality experience.  These activities included resume writing, interview skills and job fairs.  The program served 247 students in 7th and 8th grade.  We also had 25 teen and adult volunteers give their time to the program.    

 Typically, all students gain critical thinking, problem solving and leadership skills.  The program provides career options moving forward along with the education that might be needed for those careers.  Braden Hammonds, a 7th grade student, expressed that he had no idea what his mom and to go through each month to take care of him.  He has a newfound appreciation for what it means to take care of your family.  






Stories by Joe Maynard


Pumpkin Harvesting

about 5 days ago by Joe Maynard

According to The Columbia Online Dictionary, plants are essential to the balance of nature and in pe... Read More


Martin County Middle School It's Your Reality

about 3 months ago by Joe Maynard

According to census.gov only 10% of Martin County citizens have a college degree compared to 37% nat... Read More


Stories by Martin County CES


Paper Trails Scrabooking Workshop

Paper Trails Scrabooking Workshop

about 10 days ago by Asya Jarrell

In the current fast paced and digital world we live in, many individuals lack creative outlets that ... Read More


Pumpkin Harvesting

about 5 days ago by Joe Maynard

According to The Columbia Online Dictionary, plants are essential to the balance of nature and in pe... Read More


Stories by Family and Consumer Science


Crochet 101

Crochet 101

about 8 days ago by Deana West

Success Story: Crochet 101 – Introducing Textile Arts to the CommunityIssue:In recent community conv... Read More


4-H Youth- Saying CHEESE to Charcuterie

4-H Youth- Saying CHEESE to Charcuterie

about 10 days ago by Cathy Fellows

Thirty enthusiastic young 4-H members, ranging from ages nine to sixteen, were gathered around table... Read More