Success StoryDollars and Sense



Dollars and Sense

Author: Glenna Bentley

Planning Unit: Lewis County CES

Major Program: Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Upon request of teachers the Lewis County Extension Office collaborated with the Family Resource Centers to conduct the Dollars and Sense Program at three elementary schools in the county. It was important to do the program because the teachers requested it to help them fulfill requirements of their core curriculum. It was important for the Extension office to do the program because it helped fulfill an assessed need in the Lewis County plan of work of teaching economics to school youth.  Before the one day program, the 4-H agent went in and did a lesson with students on counting money and the importance of saving money and making wise decisions with their money.  On the day of the program participants were given a $200.00 allowance. The participants verified they had $200.00 and then visited fourteen booths in which they purchased one item from each booth. For example, at the transportation booth participants had to choose a mode of transportation such as a skate board, bicycle or a four wheeler. At the bank they had to decide how much money they wanted to save and at the pet store they had to purchase the items necessary to take care of their pet. 
 There were 278 youth that participated in the program. A survey was done after the program to see what youth had learned. There were 130 participants in the survey. Of those surveyed, all students agreed they had learned something by participating in the program.  The greatest margin of change was students had a greater understanding of the impact credit card debt had on future financial choices and that career choice and lifestyle are connected. Of the 130 surveyed, 79% had a good or excellent understanding of budgeting money and 60% had a good or excellent understanding of what it cost to raise a child.






Stories by Glenna Bentley


Professor Popcorn

about 2 years ago by Glenna Bentley

According to the on-line source, Nutrition Source,“A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower bl... Read More


Health and Safety Day

about 2 years ago by Glenna Bentley

The Lewis County Extension Program organized and conducted a Health and Safety Day for 3rd though 6t... Read More


Stories by Lewis County CES


Lewis County Forages

about 2 years ago by Philip Konopka

Lewis County has a strong forage and livestock production and this is a big part of the counties far... Read More


School Garden

about 2 years ago by Philip Konopka

In the fall of 2021, the Lewis County ANR Agent and Program Assistant was approached by the Tollesbo... Read More