About this Program Area

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) projects engage youth people in many different sparks. Through skill development, career exploration, and community engagement young people who participate in FCS projects are becoming well-rounded adults who have the skills needed for long-term success. Areas of exploration within FCS include Culinary Programs, Textiles & Fashion, Nutrition Education, Financial Management, Entrepreneurship, Home Environment, and Child Care.

Objectives 4-Her’s will: 

• Explore their interests in family consumer sciences. 
• Apply knowledge gained in Family Consumer Science programs to their daily lives. 
• Be equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about food, nutrition, home environment, clothing, and financial management. 
• Be life and work ready.

Cooperative Extension Service Priority Issues 

According to the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023), priority issues related to 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences include: 

• Minimizing youth substance use. 
• Youth life skill training opportunities (e.g., leadership and communication skill building opportunities). 
• Strengthening youth workforce readiness (including entrepreneurship, business development skills, etc. 
• Reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise. 
• Building financial literacy and/or resource management skills. 
• Engaging all youth audiences in programming.