The Cooperative Extension Service held a program for 18 high-school age youth in the Madison County Family Court Program at the Madison County Extension Office on Saturday, April 13th. During the students' time at the Extension Office, participants went through workshops on hygiene, cooking, workforce prep, healthy relationships and communications.  The youth in the Madison County Family Court Program are youth that have violated the law and are required to go through a diversion program. The diversion process is designed to educate, instill a sense of accountability and deter young people from getting into further trouble. Positive intervention at a critical point in the life of a young person can often mean the difference between a bright future and a hopeless one.

These high school students participated in programs on healthy relationships, social media and communications etiquette, resume and cover letter building, mock-interviews, and further preparation for the workplace with lessons developed by the University of Utah Extension Service.  These youth also participated in the Rethink Your Drink lesson from the Supplemental Nutrition Education Program.

At the conclusion of the program the participants were surveyed on their experience:

-100% of the youth are more confident with their interview skills.

-100% of the youth felt confident that they could identify positive characteristics they seek in healthy relationships.

-88% of youth felt they could make a meal on their own.

-88% reported being more comfortable in making healthy food and drink choices.

-94% improved the quality of their resume.

-83% of the participants said they would like to participate in future 4-H workshops with the same topics.