EmpowerED: Managing Life Skills
EmpowerED: Life Skills program was created in 2024 and has served 265 youth, ages 11 to 19. Every participant has been trained in basic meal preparation, operating six hand tools, standard sewing stitches, disaster preparedness, beginning first aid and financial literacy. Through the completion of this training participants have acquired skills that will benefit them as they move into adulthood.
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Elite Skills Development’s Empowered is a program for youth ages 12 to 19 in Long Beach. Youth that increases the life skills and financial acumen of participants. Youth are paired with industry professionals and provided hands-on learning opportunities to prepare youth for navigating real-world challenges.
Participants attend four, four-hour workshops covering life management skills that include laundry, grocery shopping on a budget, upgrading cooking skills, basic home repairs, first aid, emergency preparedness, financial literacy and credit management. Personal development growth includes managing social media presence, making tough decisions and setting boundaries and knowing when to say “No”.
The goal of Empowered: Life Management Skills for Success is to increase
life management skills and financial sustainability for youth.
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​Benefits of Acquiring Basic Life Skills:
While specific research on the effectiveness of teaching basic life skills in family and consumer science programs can vary, there are some broader trends and studies that demonstrate the positive impacts of such education:
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Improved Confidence and Independence:
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A study published in the "Journal of Extension" (2018) found that participants who received life skills education reported increased self-confidence and a greater sense of independence in handling everyday tasks.
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Long-Term Financial Benefits:
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The National Endowment for Financial Education conducted research indicating that teaching financial literacy in schools leads to better financial decision-making in adulthood, including increased savings and reduced debt.
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Enhanced Career Readiness:
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The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences reported that students who engage in practical life skills education are better prepared for the workforce due to their ability to manage time, resources, and make informed decisions.
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Reduced Health Risks:
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The National Institutes of Health emphasizes the importance of teaching basic cooking skills and nutrition to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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Sustainable Practices:
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Research from the University of California Cooperative Extension highlights the role of life skills education in promoting sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste and making environmentally friendly choices.
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Empowerment and Social Mobility:
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Teaching basic life skills can empower individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing tools to navigate challenges and improve their quality of life, according to studies by organizations like UNICEF.
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Again, while specific statistics and research may vary based on the region and context, the overall consensus is that providing practical life skills education has a positive impact on individuals' confidence, decision-making abilities, financial stability, and overall well-being.
EmpowerED, a hands-on program revives and updates traditional home economics education to meet 21st-century needs. It integrates essential skills—cooking, budgeting, home repair, financial literacy, self-care, safety, and emergency readiness—to address the real-life challenges students face as they transition to adulthood. Each participant will receive full sized resource kits:
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