The Rockcastle County Family & Consumer Sciences classes at Rockcastle County HIgh School have grown in popularity with students in the last 5 years.  Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences has grown from one session to 3 this school year.  The course explores all areas of Family and Consumer Sciences.  The high school FCS teacher and the FCS extension agent have partnered the last 3 years to allow each students to learn basic sewing skills while constructing an apron.  In April 2025, 68 students in 3 Introduction to FCS classes (mostly 9th and 10th graders) were furnished an apron kit by the Extension Service. The students sewed the aprons during 7 in-class sessions with the teacher, FCS agent and program assistant.  Only 8 of the students had any prior experience with operating a sewing machine.   Of the 68 students, 66 completed their aprons during the allotted time frame.  In evaluations following the program: 90% of students stated that they were more confident in using a sewing machine.  50% shared that they would like to do additional sewing in the future.  

       One student asked for an apron pattern then shared:  "my mom and I have decided to sew aprons for the women in our family for Christmas this year.  That's 12 aprons that we want to get done-- mom says it will be our summer project together.  I think she was surprised how much I liked sewing."