From UWCK
United Way of Central Kansas is proud to bring Reality U to Larned, an interactive financial literacy and life skills simulation designed to help students better understand the real-world decisions they will face as adults.
More than 200 eighth- and tenth-grade students from Larned, Pawnee Heights, Kinsley, and Otis-Bison will participate in the program, gaining hands-on experience navigating adulthood at age 26 — from managing finances to understanding community responsibilities and personal well-being.
This year’s Reality U event is presented by Fusion Bank, whose support makes it possible for students to engage in a meaningful, realistic learning experience. United Way of Central Kansas also extends sincere thanks to booth sponsors Golden Belt Telephone and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, whose involvement helps bring the simulation to life.
In addition to the financial simulation, students will participate in breakout sessions led by local professionals and organizations, including:
- Pawnee County Extension – Digital Safety
- 24th Judicial District Community Corrections and Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office – Cost of Delinquency
- KANSASWORKS – Job Interviewing
- The Center for Counseling & Consultation – Stress & Anxiety Management
- Fusion Bank – Banking & Finance
- Pawnee County Fire Department – Protecting Our Community
Reality U is designed to go beyond the classroom, helping students connect education, career choices, and financial decisions to long-term stability and success. By walking through real-life scenarios, students gain a clearer picture of how today’s choices can impact their future — a critical lesson for building financially resilient individuals and communities.
“Programs like Reality U help students understand not just what it takes to survive as adults, but how to plan, prioritize, and thrive,” said United Way of Central Kansas. “We are grateful to our sponsors, speakers, and community partners who make this experience possible.”
United Way of Central Kansas looks forward to seeing students engage with these important topics and better understand what life may look like for them at age 26 — empowered with knowledge, awareness, and confidence as they plan for their futures.
For more information about Reality U or United Way of Central Kansas, please visit www.uwck.org.