In Lewis County students have limited opportunities to learn about our economic system and how it relates to business locally.  With this in mind the Lewis County Extension Office partnered with the Lewis County Youth Services Center to provide students the opportunity to learn about our economy and how it works locally.

The American Private Enterprise System is a 2-day program offered to high school Juniors and Seniors. This year the program had 20 participants in the program.  The program teaches teens about our economic system though program materials which include a board case problem for groups to solve and six guest speakers that are leaders in the community covering a topic they have expert knowledge in. The guest speakers talk to participants about how America does business, the role of government in our economy, how our economy works, how businesses operate, cooperatives, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, sole proprietorships, and e-commerce.  After each speaker a quiz is given over the topic presented and at the end of the program a test is given over all material presented. Top scorers advance to The American Private Enterprise System Kentucky Youth Seminar. 

Participants performed excellent on the exams with the majority of participants scoring 70% or higher.  The top scorers on the quizzes and exam advanced to the American Private Enterprise System Kentucky Youth Seminar program held through zoom at each Extension Office. Lewis County had three students participate in the program.  While participating in the American Private Enterprise System Kentucky Youth Seminar all three participants received a $900.00 scholarship to the University of their choice.