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Show 4-H Consumer Education Program Sharpens Youths' Buying Skills tiiJ ms j . "As consumers, all of us at one time or another perform as amateur accountants, mechanics, electricians, dieticians or engineers in the selection and use of products and services. Yet all too often we do not have the information nor the training for the job," says Melinda Brown, one of last year's national winners in the 4-11 consumer education program supervised by the Cooperative Extension Service. "True? It certainly seems that way in our consumer oriented society," says Lois Howard, program associate, National 4-H Service Committee. "With their own resources, young people represent an important market for consumer goods and services. And their influence on family purchases is highly significant," Miss Howard explains. 4-H members like Miss Brown of Littleton, Colo., through work in the 4-11 consumer education program , have learned what it takes to be smart shoppers. They have learned to plan, budget, compare and evaluate quality, and to read labels warranties and instructions. . "Encouraging young people to make decisions, . consumer education relates to nearly all 4-11 projects," Miss Howard states. While previously emphasizing consumerism in home centered projects, this year's program has been broadened to appeal to teen boys as well as girls, she noted. Adding its support to the 4-H consumer education program is Montgomery Ward, one of the nation's oldest and largest retailers. The company provides recognition in the form of medals of honor to four county winners and an expense-paid trip to the National 4-11 Congress in Chicago, Nov. 26-30, as a state award. During the gala event, Montgomery Ward will present scholarships of $700 each to national winners selected by the Cooperative Extension Service. Contact the county extension office for information about 4-H consumer education opportunities locally. |