This year's workshops consisted of  two part workshop which discussed the impact of information and images we put out about ourselves on the internet and their lasting effects on our ability to find employment and get into colleges, as well as financial literacy and money management.  The workshops took place in five separate locations around the county:  Delhi, Deposit, Sidney, South Kortright, and Walton. 

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At each workshop the participants learned about what their digital footprint is, how to protect their privacy, and ways to project positive impressions and images employers and college recruiters.  Most of the participants didn't realize that employers and recruiters look at their Facebook pages, Instagram Posts, and whatever other information they can find online when screening applicants.  They learned how to change their security settings and how they can put positive information about themselves on the internet to push negative images or posts where employers are less likely to look.  

 

In the second part of the workshop youth learned a great deal of financial information they will need to know for the future.  This workshop covered the difference between loans and grants when applying to college, credit cards vs debit cards, and proper ways to be safe with their money.   They also learned what a credit score is and how to cultivate a strong score and it's impact .  Credit card debt and the benefits of making more than a minimum payment on a loan or credit card was also discussed.

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This workshop helped young people think about whether they were managing their digital image and money to their best advantage.  Hopefully this knowledge will help participants in their future endeavors.