The goal of Hart County High School is to have all students  career and work place ready by the time they graduate.   The high school contacted the 4-H Youth Development agent to collaborate with the school on offering work readiness and skills classes for  all students as well as to work with the Functional Mental Disability (FMD) Class to offer a nutrition and cooking class.  

The goal of the nutrition and cooking class was to teach the FMD class basic skills in preparing their own meals or snacks and to have a better understanding of what would be considered healthy foods.

The focus of the day was to teach seven Functional Mental Disabled students basic skills to be able to prepare meals on their own.   The students range from ages 15-18 and both males and females participated in the educational program.  The 4-H Youth Development Agent and 4-H Program Assistant taught basic measuring skills, how to use cooking equipment, food safety procedure, how to select healthy foods and how to prepare each item.  The students each made  chicken pot pie, omelets on the go, veggie dip and fruit parfaits.  

The youth demonstrated correct measuring techniques, proper use of a knife, spoon, a can opener and a blender.  Each student learned how to preheat and use the oven.  They were also able to mix their own ingredients and with a small assistance from an adult they were able to prepare make each recipe. 

One student that has participated in the work readiness and nutrition and cooking classes last year and again this year has now taken on a volunteer position helping to prepare food in the food service industry.  She washes and does some small chopping of fruits and vegetables.  Her parents attribute her training from these classes to helping her obtain this position and developing these skills.