Author: Mike Meyer
Planning Unit: 4-H Central Operations
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Plan of Work: Community Engagement and Economic Development
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Volunteer and community leaders in Harrison County have identified career-readiness and life-skills as two primary needs for youth as they prepare for higher education or career decisions upon completion of high school. Partnering with Pendleton County 4-H, the Ag Reality Series was created to help educate and provide an in-depth decision making activity that helps youth understand the needs and commitment of a career decision with agriculture. Our two 4-H programs work with Harrison and Pendleton County agriculture education departments to host a week-long educational program that consists of industry guest educators, and a day-long simulated event where the nearly 75 youth visit vendors who assist in them walking through their planned operation from start to finish. 22 businesses from the Central Kentucky area take part in the agriculture career simulation event. Of the youth involved, 92 percent reported an increase of understanding for lending procedures, farm enterprise planning and implementation. The program is provided by the Harrison County Cooperative Extension Service and Harrison County Soil Conservation District on an annual basis. Currently, the Ag Reality series is being prepared for curriculum development in hopes of being available to duplicate throughout Kentucky.
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