PLATTSBURG, Mo. – In February, MU Extension in Clinton County offered local teens a hands-on preview of basic skills they’ll need to navigate adulthood.

During a day off from school, 20 teens, ages 14-18, attended Adulting 101 at the Clinton County Extension Center in Plattsburg. Community members, parents and extension council members had asked for such a program.

“It was a great way to give teens a beginning look at what it takes to be a responsible and successful adult,” said Laura Evans, a MU Extension field specialist in 4-H youth development.

Evans, with MU Extension youth program associate Tayler Shultz, developed the program, reaching out to local partners and volunteers, as well. The format could be easily adapted to other counties, Evans and Shultz noted.

Sessions included:

• 4-H curriculum about laundry care led by 4-H volunteer Karen Fannell.
• Finances, banking and budgeting provided by Goppert Financial Bank.
• A field trip to D-Tone Feed and Tires to learn about car maintenance, including checking fluids and tire pressure and changing a tire.
• Nutrition and health pointers from MU Extension field specialist TJ Sethi.
• “Putting Yourself First in Relationships” from Katie Pemberton, MU Extension field specialist in human development.

The teens gave enthusiastic evaluations: As several students summarized when asked, “What is something that you will apply or use in the future that you learn today?” — “All of it!”

“We were excited to be able to provide such an array of information to our local teens thanks to our local partners and MU Extension’s varied programs,” Evans said. “We hope this will help our local teens start building a strong foundation to become confident adults.”