Heather Haines, 4-H Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
Forsyth County 4-H is excited to announce the launch of LifeSmarts, a dynamic educational program that helps middle and high school students gain the knowledge and confidence they need to make smart, informed choices in everyday life. This fast-paced competition-based program teaches real-world skills in the areas of personal finance, consumer rights, health and safety, the environment, technology, and workforce preparation.
LifeSmarts is a national program developed by the National Consumers League and has been adopted by 4-H programs across the country. It is designed to prepare youth to become responsible adults, smart consumers, and effective leaders. Now, youth who live in Forsyth County will have the opportunity to join teams, study together, and compete in events at the local, state, and national levels.
Adding LifeSmarts to the 4-H program offerings in Forsyth County is a big step forward. This program is a perfect fit for youth who want to develop practical life skills while having fun and working as part of a team. The contest revolves around the five core areas that youth will have the opportunity to explore:
Personal Finance
Financial literacy is one of the cornerstones of the LifeSmarts program. Students will learn how to build and follow a budget, save for the future, understand credit and debt, and avoid common financial pitfalls. These are essential skills that many young people are not taught in school, but which they will need throughout their lives.
Participants will gain the tools to make thoughtful money decisions, compare financial products, and recognize scams. This knowledge helps set the stage for financial independence and long-term success.
Consumer Rights and Responsibilities
In today’s marketplace, young people are constantly engaging with brands, services, and contracts, especially online. LifeSmarts helps youth understand their rights as consumers, how to read and understand the fine print, and how to take action when something goes wrong.
Teams will study topics like identity theft, warranties, advertising tricks, and how government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission help protect consumers. This part of the program builds confidence and encourages critical thinking before making purchases or signing up for services.
Health and Safety
LifeSmarts also focuses on personal health and safety. Youth will learn how to read nutrition labels, understand emergency preparedness plans, and explore topics related to substance use, mental health, and safety in the workplace.
These lessons help youth build lifelong habits that support both physical and emotional well-being. By learning how to care for themselves and others, participants are better prepared for independent living and leadership roles in their communities.
Environment
Environmental education is another important component of LifeSmarts. Students will explore how daily choices affect the planet and what they can do to make a positive impact. Topics include water and energy conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention, and climate change.
This part of the program builds on what many 4-H youth are already learning through hands-on gardening, agriculture, and STEM projects. LifeSmarts helps connect those activities to larger environmental systems and encourages students to think critically about the role they play as stewards of the earth.
Technology and Workforce Preparation
Technology is constantly evolving, and LifeSmarts helps students keep up with the changes. Youth will learn about internet safety, online privacy, cybersecurity, and digital citizenship. The program also includes lessons on workforce preparation such as writing a resume, preparing for an interview, understanding employee rights, and exploring career paths.
This category helps youth build the confidence to navigate both school and career opportunities. LifeSmarts equips them with the digital and workplace skills they will need for their futures.
Scholarship Opportunities for Youth
In addition to building lifelong skills, LifeSmarts also opens the door to financial support for college-bound students. Each year, the national LifeSmarts program awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to top-performing youth at the national level. Team members who qualify for Nationals have the chance to earn scholarship money based on their performance, leadership, and knowledge across the five core subject areas.
These scholarships are another way LifeSmarts rewards the hard work, dedication, and determination of its participants. It is yet another reason why Forsyth County 4-H is so thrilled to bring this opportunity to local youth. Whether students are looking to build their resume, sharpen their skills, or fund their future education, LifeSmarts is a meaningful and motivating pathway.
How To Join!
One of the most exciting aspects of LifeSmarts is the team structure. Students in grades 6 through 12 can join Junior Varsity or Varsity teams, meeting regularly to study, practice, and prepare for competitions. The format is fun and fast-paced, with quick-response quiz rounds, team collaboration, and individual challenges that mirror real-world problem solving.
The LifeSmarts program is about more than just learning facts. It fosters leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. It encourages youth to grow into thoughtful citizens who understand how their choices affect themselves, their families, and their communities.
Teams will begin forming in September and will prepare to compete in the Georgia 4-H LifeSmarts contest in 2026. To be added to the registration list, please reach out to Alicia Graser at alicia.graser@uga.edu. Whether youth are already active in 4-H or looking for a new challenge, this is a great way to get involved, meet new people, and build confidence in everyday decision-making!