High school graduation rates in the U.S. are at an all-time high. At 84 percent, the national rate means that more than 4 out of 5 high school students earn a diploma in four years, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Kentucky graduation rates are much higher than the national average at 93.1 percent (US News, May 2018.) The end goal of graduating every high school student is the biggest factor in the Hancock County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development conducting the “4-H: It’s Your Reality” program. Programs like these are important in continuing the trend of raised high school graduation rates. 

4-H partnered with the Hancock County Youth Service Center, Hancock County High School, and the Hancock County Middle School to implement this program for 241 8^th and 10^th grade students. Teachers and guidance counselors worked with the students to prepare them by discussing career paths, salaries, education levels, grade point averages, and education requirements. The students are given careers and salaries based on their career interests and current GPA. 

Numerous businesses and county offices supported the effort by spending the day with the students and guiding them thru the process of paying monthly bills just like their parents. It is an active, hands-on, real-life situation which gives the students the opportunity to explore careers, make lifestyle and budget choices. It encourages them to stay in school to gain their high school diploma and to continue their education after high school.

 

The students made "real-life" decisions at the 17 stores which included real estate and property taxes, banking, housing, contributions, transportation, insurance, groceries, utilities, communications, child care, health/beauty, entertainment, medical/dental, supplemental income and "chance." They kept records of their budget, spending, and savings. 

All students completed a written evaluations.  The results are as follows:

*100% understand the type of education needed to obtain the job they want

*84% plan to further their education past high school

*96% indicated they would definitely try harder in school

*100% said they would start a savings plan

*92% learned more about what it costs to maintain a household. 

This is proof that our community is joining together to motivate our students to stay in school and continue their education. This 4-H program is a stepping stone to preparing our local youth in making more informed life decisions. Some comments from students about their 4-H: It’s Your Reality experience: “Loved this activity. It shows that you need to save your money wisely.” “This influenced me to study harder and get better grades.”