The quality of the home environment is a situation through which income may alter child development. The home environment entails: emotional warmth displayed by parents while interacting with their children; provision of stimulating and learning experiences in the home; and physical surroundings, such as safety of play areas and cleanliness. Financial insecurity can create a situation in which children become less likely to be raised in emotionally, cognitively, and physically enriching environments than children from more affluent families. Several studies of young children have found that quality of the home environment accounts for a substantial share of the effect of poverty on children's achievement and behavioral outcomes. 

Carlisle County youth ages 9-14 were given a unique opportunity to combine learning skills to improve their home environment while utilizing financial savvy in a program titled DIY Designers.  During monthly meetings, the young "designers" were given opportunities to learn a new skill to enhance the physical surroundings in their home using common household items and minimal funds.  The finished products would serve function, hold personal value, and boost confidence of "do it yourself" gratification, while teaching life-long lessons.  

Over the course of five sessions, the youth met in groups of 5-15 participants.  Of the participants, 100% said they gained a new skill pertaining to the design and function of their home environment.  All participants increased knowledge of the appearance and function of a floor plan, the physiological and psychological effects of color, and ways to alter a physical space utilizing little to no budget.