The United Way of Central Kansas announced this week the upcoming Reality U program will take place Wednesday at Great Bend Middle School. This interactive event is designed to provide students with valuable financial literacy skills while emphasizing the critical link between education and financial success, said UWCK Executive Director Charell Owings.
“Reality U is an innovative program that aims to teach teenagers that their academic performance today can significantly impact their financial future,” she said. “By engaging students in a 75-minute interactive and engaging personal finance simulation, Reality U provides them with the opportunity to learn and practice personal finance skills in a real-world context.”
The event allows students to imagine themselves as 26-year-olds and complete an online lifestyle survey which also asks about their current GPA, school attendance and participation to create a unique and individualized future scenario for each student. Each scenario includes the student’s monthly income, credit card debt, student loan information, as well as marital and family status.
During the simulation, students are given a checkbook register to track their monthly purchases from 12 booths representing services and products that adults typically must consider or purchase each month. The simulation challenges students to make financial decisions and sometimes requires them to return a “purchase” and make a different choice. The goal is to ensure that their checkbook register doesn’t fall below zero, Owings said.
In addition to the Reality U simulation, United Way of Central Kansas partners with local community members and businesses to offer a number of breakout sessions to round out the day. These sessions will offer students the opportunity to dive deeper into important topics, further enhancing their financial literacy and personal development.
• Reality After High School presenter Davis Jimenez will guide students through the realities they can expect after high school, offering valuable insights into the transition to adulthood and how financial decisions play a crucial role in their future.
• Cost of Delinquency presenter Casey Rowland with Barton County Juvenile Services along with Great Bend Police Department officers will shed light on the real costs of delinquency, helping students understand the legal and financial consequences of certain actions and how they can make responsible choices.
• Preparing for High School presenters include Great Bend High School guidance counselors who will provide students with essential information and tips on how to prepare for high school and what they can expect in the upcoming year.
• Interviewing presenters, JAG-KS leadership, will equip students with valuable interviewing skills.
• Youth Crew presenter Barton County Juvenile Services’ Tyler Morton will introduce students to the concept of the Youth Crew and how they can get involved in community service and leadership opportunities.
• Stress and Anxiety Management presenter The Center for Counseling’s Shanna Long will share strategies for stress and anxiety management, focusing on mental health and well-being, an important aspect of personal development.
These breakout sessions are designed to complement the main Reality U program, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience that goes beyond financial literacy, Owings said. They offer students a chance to engage with knowledgeable presenters who will empower them with skills and knowledge to succeed in various aspects of life.
The event is sponsored by Credit Union of America-Great Bend, Buckle, City of Great Bend, Farmers Bank and Trust, First Kansas Bank, Marmie Auto Group, MPIRE Realty Group, Spectrum CPA Partners, LLC, University of Kansas Health System-Great Bend, Equity Bank, and Nex-Tech Wireless.
For more information about Reality U and how you can get involved please contact United Way of Central Kansas at 620-792-2403.
