Describe the Issue or Situation:
A significant number of families in Calloway County, Kentucky, live below the poverty line—a condition often tied to a lack of financial education and poor money management skills. Youth in the area are particularly vulnerable, as many lack real-world exposure to budgeting, managing expenses, and understanding the financial impact of career and lifestyle decisions. Without early intervention, these youth risk entering adulthood without the skills needed to achieve financial stability.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable):
To address this growing concern, the Calloway County 4-H Program implemented a two-day Reality Store financial simulation event for all 7th and 10th grade students in both the Calloway County School District and the Murray Independent School District. The event was hosted at the FOR Center at Journey Church and brought financial concepts to life in an interactive and impactful way.
Youth received a hypothetical salary based on an assigned career and education level, then visited a variety of booths staffed by over 80 community volunteers and professionals. Each booth represented a real-life financial responsibility, such as housing, groceries, transportation, childcare, and entertainment. Through the simulation, students learned how to make informed decisions to manage a monthly budget.
Key partners included Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC) coordinators from all four participating schools, Journey Church, and United Way of Murray-Calloway County as the major event sponsor. Numerous local businesses and organizations contributed volunteers to support the program’s success.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience:
A total of 674 youth from 7th and 10th grades participated in the simulation over the two-day event. The students represented diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and educational levels across the county’s two school systems. More than 80 volunteers, including local business leaders, educators, nonprofit workers, and Extension staff, facilitated the experience and provided real-world context to the scenarios.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact:
Evaluation data from post-event surveys indicated a significant impact on participants' financial literacy and career awareness:

• 87% of youth answered "yes" to the question: "Do you better understand how career choices, education, skills, and economic conditions affect your income?"
• 88% reported having a better understanding of how their career affects their lifestyle choices in real life.
• Anecdotal feedback from students emphasized the program's relevance and effectiveness, with comments such as:

"It made me think about what I need over what I want."
"It was a good way to teach me how to manage my money and work on my communication skills."

These results reflect the program’s effectiveness in increasing financial awareness and preparing youth to make smarter decisions about money, education, and careers. The Reality Store simulation not only brought financial literacy to life but also helped plant the seeds for long-term economic well-being among Calloway County youth.