News-Democrat & Leader:
We prepare our children to enter the workforce, but are we preparing them to manage their finances?
Most parents want their children to grow up with a sound understanding of money, but many adults in the United States struggle financially. Often children enter the world as adults knowing little about money management or basic business skills which they need to survive. The 4-H workforce preparation and entrepreneurship programs strive to improve financial responsibility by assisting youth in the development of valuable business skills that will allow them to become more business savvy, responsible adults.
Adults do not always provide youth with positive financial role models. About 55% of the U.S. population said they either always or sometimes worry about money. In 2006, more than 2,000 people filed for bankruptcy every day. The average American charges about $4,500 a year to credit cards.
Workforce and entrepreneurial programs in 4-H educate youth about money and business basics so youth will be better prepared to manage their finances. 4-H offers youth the opportunity to learn about supply and demand, market surveys, gross profits, budgets etc.
By exposing youth to real-world scenarios in an educational environment, they can learn about sources for business ideas, planning and organizational skills, problem-solving skills and decision making.
Members of 4-H can learn planning and organization skills by developing a meeting plan of the business club. Youth discuss with each other topics they would like addressed, activities they would like to do and goals for the meeting. Youth can gain experience by being responsible for a specific component of the meeting such as providing refreshments or giving a presentation.
They can also plan special activities, community service projects, and have contests utilizing their business plans. More.
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