In an effort to equip youth with practical life skills and financial literacy, Trigg County 4-H partnered with the Trigg County Schools Youth Service Center to bring the Reality Store Program to all enrolled 7th grade students at Trigg County Middle School. This hands-on educational event was a powerful example of community collaboration and youth development in action.

The Reality Store Program challenges students to make real-world financial decisions based on a randomly assigned career and salary. Participants navigate a series of stations representing life expenses such as housing, transportation, child care, groceries, insurance, and more—providing eye-opening insight into the cost of living and the importance of budgeting, education, and decision-making.

To make this program successful, the partnership enlisted the support of local business volunteers from Trigg County and college students from Murray State University. These volunteers played an essential role by staffing simulation stations, offering financial guidance, and sharing personal experiences about managing money and balancing priorities. Their involvement brought authenticity to the experience and reinforced community support for youth education.

137 seventh-grade students participated in the event. Many reported being surprised at how quickly money disappears when faced with real-life choices. Feedback collected through post-event evaluations showed that:

• 94% of students said they better understood the importance of managing money.
• 89% reported they now recognized the value of a good education in earning a better income.
• 95% of students said the program helped them think about their future career choices more seriously.

This program's success was due to strong collaboration between Trigg County 4-H, the Youth Service Center, local businesses, and Murray State University. Together, they created a meaningful experience that gave students a glimpse into adulthood—one that will help guide them in making smarter decisions for their future.

The Reality Store is not just a one-day event—it’s a stepping stone toward financial responsibility, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning. Trigg County’s unified effort stands as a model for how partnerships can empower students and build stronger communities.