1902 - Enhancing Individual & Organizational Development
PAC
400 - Youth Development
Title
Life Skill Learning
Impact Statement
The Johnson County Extension Council identified teaching lifeskillls to youth as a priority in the 2005-2006 Plan of Work. To help meet this goal the following programs and opportunities were offered: 4-H Reality Store, 4-H MoneyWise, Work Preparation, 4-H Project selection, Life Smarts and Step up to Leadership curriculum. Over 300 4-Hers and volunteers, the Johnson County Middle School and Family Resource Center, Paintsville City School System and Family Resource Center, Food City and over 15 local businesses worked together to provide local 8th grade youth the opportunity to participate in the 4-H Reality Store and learn about career exploration, economic opportunity and financial planning. Surveys indicated that youth gained first time knowledge in the following areas: 45% learned about career exploration, 73% learned how to balance a transaction sheet, 42% learned about opening a saving account, 69% learned how to balance income and expenses and 57% learned how to evaluate a spending plan. The 4-H MoneyWise Program had over 195 student participants, 2 local banks, 7 family resources centers and over 25 volunteers collaborating to teach 5th and 6th grade youth about GPA calculation, budgeting money, the identification of necessary and desired items. The program is also designed to teach the importance in the relationship of staying in school and making goods grades to have better economic opportunities. Of the 152 returned surveys, 74% indicated they learned how to calculate a GPA, 47% learned how to budget their money, 33% gained an understanding in the relationship of doing well in school to have better economic opportunities, 30% indicated they learned to identify necessary economic items and 20% learned to identify "wanted" or "desired" items. To further life skill acquisition, a team of Teen Club 4-Hers participated in Life Smarts, a consumer education competition, and competed in the State Competition held in Frankfort, KY. These 4-Hers indicated they learned to be more consumer wise and would use these skills in future decision making opportunities. Over 200 4-Hers completed at home Project Work ranging from Bicycling Safety to Plant Science. Over 420 4-Hers participated in the Step Up to Leadership Curriculum. Over 25 teenage youth participated in job interview sessions. In speaking with past participants, at least 6 of the 25 are now employed in the community's workforce.