The 4-H Reality Store is an experiential real-life simulation which provides students the opportunity to explore careers and make lifestyle and budgeting choices.  Why this story is a success is that this program was delivered at a non-traditional site.  Jefferson County 4-H agent, Kelly Smith, partnered with representatives at Boys and Girls Haven, Maryhurst center for children and the Louisville Junior League.   The first two partners mentioned are facilities that service children and families in need of restoring hope.   These places provide counseling, residential treatment and transitional living for youth.  The last partner involved is an organization that provides a strong foundation for civic leadership and also connects women who share a commitment to volunteerism.  

With the assistance of staff at Boys and Girls Haven and Maryhurst, youth researched potential careers and discussed the process of budgeting for life’s expenses.  After several meetings with the youth, they entered the Reality Store with a monthly salary and a chosen career.  They proceeded through the Reality Store where they had taxes deducted, determine a savings amount, and spend their monthly “paycheck” on the necessary and luxury items that reflected the career and lifestyle they had chosen.  Many youth ended up seeking guidance to re-evaluate their purchases.  At the Chance booth, students learn about some of life’s unexpected expenses.  Throughout this process they also discussed health and nutrition at the grocery booth along with mental health.  This couldn’t have happened without the commitment from the Louisville Junior League members who embraced this as their service project and volunteered for the evening providing their expertise and engaging the youth in a positive manner. Many positive comments were heard from the youth, as one said, “ I enjoyed making my own decisions about my life and having the ladies give me good advice about possible choices!” Of course, the youth also enjoyed the “Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar” compliments of the Junior League! 

The goals of the 4-H Reality Store are to:

1. Give students a glimpse of their future in a fun and exciting way.

2. Help all students become aware of basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making and career planning.

3. Help students recognize the preparation needed for the world or work.

4. Motivate students to stay in school.