Reality U brings a bit of “reality” to students through a 75-minute interactive and engaging personal finance simulation. Students imagine their life as a 26-year-old and complete an online lifestyle survey. This information is entered into our trademarked software, along with their current GPA, to create a unique and individualized future scenario.
Each scenario includes the student’s monthly income, credit card debt, student loan information, as well as marital and family status. Students are given a checkbook register to track their monthly purchases from the 12 booths representing services and/or products that adults typically must purchase or consider each month. Sometimes they must return a “purchase” and make a different decision. The checkbook register can’t fall below zero!
This event actively engages students to help them understand the importance of how their performance in school today impacts their future. It also provides the community an opportunity to share in local students’ learning and developing an understanding of the world of work.
Fred C. & Mary R. Koch Foundation, Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner, Lattner Family Foundation, Net App, Emprise Bank, Westar, Consumer United Program, and Credit Union of America.
Volunteers are an essential piece of Reality U’s success as they man the booths and provide students information about available products/services they will purchase. Not only does the Pando Initiative provide students with the tools to succeed, we provide this incredible opportunity for our community to engage with local students and learn more about their individual impact on the future.