Clare-Gladwin Career and Technical Education (CTE) recently concluded its Reality Store program, engaging eighth-grade students from Beaverton, Clare, Farwell, Gladwin and Harrison schools in an interactive and educational experience. The financial simulation provided middle school students with valuable insights into how their education, life choices, and finances are interrelated and impact their future.
The Reality Store event, staffed by volunteers from CTE, Mid Michigan College, retired local educators and community members, introduced students to the challenges and responsibilities associated with personal finances.
During this hands-on experience, the students are given a hypothetical family situation with their occupation, annual salary, years of education and debts. They navigated through a series of stations representing different aspects of life, including housing, student loans, child care, transportation, groceries and entertainment. The goal is to manage a monthly budget and still have a remaining balance at the end of the month.
Margie Dill, CTE counselor and Reality Store organizer, coordinates the event with the five school districts in Clare and Gladwin Counties.
“The Reality Store is an eye-opening experience for these students,” said Dill. “Many students discovered they lacked funds for essentials, leading them to reconsider their choices for more affordable alternatives. It's a crash course in the realities of adulthood, leaving them with a greater appreciation for the financial challenges their parents face every day."
CTE remains committed to providing students with opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their future careers and personal lives. The Reality Store offers an engaging and practical approach to familiarizing students with real-life expenses they'll face as adults. This event instills in students the significance of wise decision-making, highlights the importance of education and career planning, and reinforces the value of financial literacy.
For more information about the Reality Store event or the Career and Technical Education program, please contact CTE Director Eric Johnson at 989-386-9334.