Knott County KY has a poverty rate of 32.1% compared to the state average of 16.9% and the national average of 11.8% in 2018, according to census.gov. Bachelor degree or higher attainment rate of 12.9%.

         To address these issues local 4-H provided the “It’s Your Reality” program as a countywide collaborative program with FYRSC, Knott Co Board of Ed, and KCCHS volunteers.  This program is highly successful in conveying the importance of educational attainment, high school graduation, and relating current school success to future lifestyles. Addressing these factors increase applicable understanding of financial well-being in hopes to increase future individual economic contribution and community growth.  

          Working with all six elementary schools the students were prepped with budgeting lessons, given a job based on GPA, and taught checking account basics prior to the day program.

The youth participants reported a thorough understanding and ability to apply the following concepts:

80 % Budgeting money

84 % How to make wise financial decisions

91 % Realizing cost of maintaining a household

75 % Realizing the cost of raising a child

89% How the amount of money made will influence future lifestyle 

88% Saving for future economic goals

Overall 40% increased awareness and understanding of concepts prior to the “It’s your Reality” program.  

According to independentsector.org, current rates of volunteer time value for 68 volunteers shows an in-kind contribution of $6916.96.   The collaborative effort of these volunteers, the Knott Co Board of Ed who provided transportation and venue, countywide FYRSC, Knott Co 4-H, and multiple classroom teachers made this a positive learning opportunity for our youth.