From United Way of Central Kansas...
Reality is about to set in for students across Barton and Pawnee Counties as the United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) collaborates with numerous sponsors and schools to impart valuable lessons in personal finance to this year's 8th graders. With the aim of making financial education both fun and engaging, UWCK is proud to announce the hosting of Reality U, set for Jan. 31.
This year, USD 355-Ellinwood will play host to 8th graders from Central Plains, Larned, Hoisington, Kinsley, Chase, Otis-Bison, Pawnee Heights, and St. Joseph’s. The participating students will step into the shoes of a 26-year-old by completing an online lifestyle survey, exploring facets such as occupation, marital status, credit card usage, and current grade point average. This information is then fed into a trademarked software program that tailors unique scenarios for each student.
On the day of the event, students receive scenarios outlining their monthly income, credit card debt, student loans, marital and family status. Armed with this information, they must manage their student passport, similar to a checkbook register, and navigate through twelve booths representing services and products adults typically contend with each month, including car purchases, housing decisions, utilities, insurance, phone and entertainment, retirement contributions and student loan repayment, childcare, clothing, and groceries.
Students have the chance to witness firsthand how their decisions impact their financial bottom line, learning to make choices that won’t leave their check registers in the red. The event actively engages students, emphasizing the importance of education to their financial future, while also fostering community involvement in supporting financial literacy.
This impactful event wouldn't be possible without the generous support of local businesses, including presenting sponsor Sunflower Bank, alongside Kansas Earth & Sky, Eagle Mutual Insurance, Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic, Ellinwood Community Library Foundation, Doll Insurance, and People's Bank. “Empowering students with financial education is a gateway to lifelong success. I am thrilled with the chance to impact students from several Middle Schools through the knowledge and skills they will gain by participating in this simulation.” Becca Maxwell, Sunflower Bank.
In addition to the Reality U simulation students also participate in breakout sessions, delving deeper into how present choices can shape their future. Sessions cover various topics such as the cost of delinquency with Juvenile Services, reality after high school with local young leaders, banking and finance with Sunflower Bank, stress management with The Center for Counseling & Consultation, and job interviewing with JAG-KS. A new addition this year is a volunteer project during one of the breakout sessions, where students will create Valentine's Day cards for UWCK's Box of Love project, put together silverware for Ellinwood Heritage Senior Center, and assemble care packages for military personnel in partnership with Dropping 22, Inc.
About United Way of Central Kansas:
United Way of Central Kansas is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities by bringing people together to address critical issues. Through their Community Impact Programs, they strive to create lasting change in the areas of education, financial stability, and health.