The College Fix

Classes ‘demystify the obscure reality of being an ‘adult’ through engaging educational sessions’

Michigan State University’s Extension school offers free guidance to young people who need help with the basics of growing up.

“Michigan State University Extension’s Adulting 101 programs help high school students demystify the obscure reality of being an ‘adult’ through engaging educational sessions,” according to the program website. “Topics include: money management, community engagement, conflict resolution, career and future education, home skills and more.”

“Adulting 101 sessions offer a wide range of useful tips to successfully live independently covering topics in financial empowerment, workforce, and college readiness, leadership, civic engagement, social-emotional health, and general life skills that often are not required classes in school or passed down by parents,” Kathy Jamieson, MSU Extension educator, told The College Fix via email.

“The Adulting 101 sessions are targeted toward high school students and young adults, however, anyone can join for free,” Jamieson said.

“We have been offering Adulting 101 sessions since April 2020. They used to be offered quarterly but based on a recent evaluation, feedback indicated monthly sessions were preferred. We plan on offering these monthly as long as there is demand,” she said.

“These sessions are part of the MSU Extension 4-H Program. 4-H is the largest youth development organization in Michigan. ….Michigan 4-H has been providing life skill development since its inception in 1908,” Jamieson said.

Michigan 4-H is currently part of MSU Extension, according to its website.

Michigan State University Extension “helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses,” its website description states. It offers the public information related to youth development, agriculture, business, community, family, food and health, natural resources, and more.

“Adulting 101” courses are offered remotely via Zoom and are available to all, not just Michigan State University students or those affiliated with Michigan 4-H.

Classes are currently offered once a month; each focuses on a different life skills topic. The next “Adulting 101” class is scheduled for March 16 and will cover “paycheck and taxes.”

“Join this MSU Extension’s Adulting 101 session to explore what taxes are and why we pay them. See how taxes affect your salary vs. your take home pay,” the website states.

The Fix emailed Kelly Kussmaul, director of communications and marketing at Michigan Extension, to ask how many people attended the last “Adulting 101” class and what future topics would be offered. No response has been received.

MORE: Kansas State ‘adulting’ courses teach students basic life skills. Few are attending.

IMAGE: Michigan State Extension

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