Improving Wellbeing in Buchanan County
ID
VCE-1177-15NP
Sharing Knowledge
Students regularly make decisions that affect their futures, including educational paths, career options, lifetime skills, and family living. The 4-H Reality Store financial simulation was hosted for 207 eighth graders. Sixty volunteers gave youth a glimpse into their future by helping to increase awareness of skills in financial planning, goal-setting, decision-making, and career planning, along with examining personal and career aspirations.
Students were assigned an occupation based on their educational plans after high school and an amount of money equivalent to the monthly salary for that occupation. They spent the money on necessities and luxuries they envisioned in an adult lifestyle.
Post-surveys indicated that 91% of participants increased their awareness of smart financial decisions, 94% thought insurance and a savings account help in an emergency, and 60% reported the need for higher education/credentials for a better job.
Community Voices
“The Buchanan County Extension Office is an amazing partner for Buchanan County Public Schools. The Extension Office plays an integral role in providing programs for Buchanan County students, not only during the school day but during our after-school programs and our summer program as well. Through their programming and interactions with our students, Mrs. Weekley and her staff help our students grow both in character and leadership.”
Karen Taylor
Secondary/CTE Supervisor, Director of Testing, Buchanan County Public Schools
1,977
youth participate in 4-H
Partners for Solutions
“The partnership between the Buchanan County School System and Buchanan County 4-H has allowed 4-H to serve over 1,977 youth. 4-H empowers youth with life skills such as leadership, teamwork, character, healthy lifestyle choices, goal-setting, communication, and social skills. As the 4-H agent, it is rewarding to see youth gain skills that make an impact in their lives.”
Sandra Shortridge Weekley
Agent
To find out how you can support your local Extension office, visit www.cals.vt.edu/make-a-gift.
1240-B Almarine Drive
Grundy, Virginia 24614
276-935-5093
Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law
Publication Date
June 25, 2024
