In Logan County we aim to engage youth through hands-on experiences in order to build life skills.  The Dollars and Sense and Reality Store curriculums focus on engaging youth in real life, age appropriate budgeting scenarios in order to teach financial education and the importance of financial security.

The Dollars and Sense program is structured to allow each student a given allowance and a number of pets they have to care for financially.  In the orientation, they learn about budgeting his/her money.  Students then have the responsibility of purchasing needs and wants in accordance to their budget at the Dollars and Sense school enrichment program.

321 youth from Adairville, Auburn, Chandlers, Lewisburg, Olmstead and Stevenson Elementary Schools participated in the Dollars and Sense program.  According to 2024 evaluation data, 82% of students reported that after the Dollars and Sense program they will think about the cost of an item before they purchase it and they plan to think ahead about his/her budget before they make a purchase.  Additionally, 84% of students reported they learned quite a bit about budgeting through the Dollars and Sense program.

The Reality Store program is structured to allow each student a monthly paycheck and a number of children they have to care for financially.  In the orientation, they learn about budgeting his/her money and the importance of taxes and career goals.  Students then have the responsibility of purchasing needs and wants in accordance to their budget at the Reality Store school enrichment program.

606 youth from all Logan County Schools in 8th and 10th grades participated in the Reality Store program.  According to 2024 evaluation data, 82% of students reported an increase in their level of understanding on budgeting their own money.  Additionally, 86% of students reported that they have a better understanding of the link between their career choice and their lifestyle.  

In the short term, we know that because of these programs, students have a better understanding of how career choices and money management decisions impact their financial security in the years to come.