4-H It’$ Your Reality Program 2018   

Partnering with Leslie County Schools enabled 137 Tenth Graders and 112 Eighth Graders to participate in our annual It’$ Your Reality Program. This 4-H program is an active, hands-on, real-life simulation which gives young people the opportunity to explore life choices. The pre-event classroom lessons include teaching and discussions concerning, needs, wants, decision making and career opportunities. This program stresses that studying and making good grades is a wise decision and most often more education means better careers.  Pre-event in-class lessons allowed each student to choose a career based on their aspirations, goals and grades! They pretend they are 25 years old, and are the “Sole” providers for their families. They receive a family by “luck-of-the-draw” and prepare to make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those adults face on a daily basis. 

Upon arrival to the simulation, students spent their one-month’s salary established during the in-class lessons.  Participants visit each booth paying their monthly expenses for housing, insurance, taxes, communications, utilities, entertainment and much more.  The booths represented different expenses that reality has them face as they provide for families and choose their lifestyles.

Student evaluations revealed the following:

• 91% learned quite a bit to a lot about what it costs to maintain a household

• 92% learned quite a bit to a lot about what it costs to raise a child

• 92% learned quite a bit to a lot about what type of education they need to get the job of choice

• 95% realized that the amount of money made determines lifestyle

  
  As a result of the Program:

• 98% responded they are more likely to try harder in school

• 99% responded they are more likely to get further education after High School

• 97% responded that they are more likely to “save” more money

  Comments collected from participants reflected their evaluations connecting that success often equals more education.   Other responses were to be conservative, save money, make wise decisions and that life is not easy!

  
  

  Over 45 teachers and a host of other volunteers assisted in sponsoring this event for our youth.  Volunteer evaluations revealed that over 98% enjoyed helping and felt that this event was beneficial to students.  Similar comments were shared about how they felt the Reality Program taught youth how to prepare for life after high school.  A special thanks to LCHS National Honor’s Society, AmeriCorps Members and all who Volunteered in hosting 4-H It’$ Your Reality 2018!