Whitko Partners With Purdue Extension For Reality Store Program
February 9, 2025 at 3:55 p.m.
Purdue Extension Kosciusko County announced its partnership with Whitko High School to bring the Reality Store program to 63 students in 12th grade.
This educational initiative consisted of six interactive sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, designed to teach essential money management skills, according to a news release from Purdue Extension.
Through Reality Store, students engaged in hands-on activities that empower them to track their spending, create budgets, devise weekly meal plans and navigate typical monthly expenses. This practical approach not only enhances financial literacy but also prepares students for real-life financial responsibilities.
Survey results reveal 100% of students who participated in the Reality Store program reported gaining valuable knowledge that will positively impact their lives, according to the release. Key findings include:
• 100% of participants recognize the importance of having a spending and saving plan (budget).
• 100% are confident in their ability to complete a check registry.
• 100% have committed to making saving a priority in their financial lives.
These results highlight the program's success in empowering students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to navigate their financial futures with confidence.
When asked what key takeaways they gained, students shared insights such as: "Things are more expensive and harder than parents make it seem;" "I need to budget my money to provide for my family and pay my bills" and "I will budget more and spend more responsibly."
These responses highlight the critical financial awareness instilled by the program, equipping students with a deeper understanding of budgeting, spending and long-term financial planning. The feedback underscores the program’s success in preparing young people to navigate the financial realities of adulthood, stated the release.
For more information about the Reality Store program or to learn how to implement it in your own school, contact Shannon Shepherd, Kosciusko County health and human science educator, at 574-372-2340 or via email at [email protected].
Purdue Extension Kosciusko County announced its partnership with Whitko High School to bring the Reality Store program to 63 students in 12th grade.
This educational initiative consisted of six interactive sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, designed to teach essential money management skills, according to a news release from Purdue Extension.
Through Reality Store, students engaged in hands-on activities that empower them to track their spending, create budgets, devise weekly meal plans and navigate typical monthly expenses. This practical approach not only enhances financial literacy but also prepares students for real-life financial responsibilities.
Survey results reveal 100% of students who participated in the Reality Store program reported gaining valuable knowledge that will positively impact their lives, according to the release. Key findings include:
• 100% of participants recognize the importance of having a spending and saving plan (budget).
• 100% are confident in their ability to complete a check registry.
• 100% have committed to making saving a priority in their financial lives.
These results highlight the program's success in empowering students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to navigate their financial futures with confidence.
When asked what key takeaways they gained, students shared insights such as: "Things are more expensive and harder than parents make it seem;" "I need to budget my money to provide for my family and pay my bills" and "I will budget more and spend more responsibly."
These responses highlight the critical financial awareness instilled by the program, equipping students with a deeper understanding of budgeting, spending and long-term financial planning. The feedback underscores the program’s success in preparing young people to navigate the financial realities of adulthood, stated the release.
For more information about the Reality Store program or to learn how to implement it in your own school, contact Shannon Shepherd, Kosciusko County health and human science educator, at 574-372-2340 or via email at [email protected].