Tippecanoe Valley High School Partners With Purdue Extension For Reality Store Money Management Program

March 28, 2025 at 4:56 p.m.


AKRON – Purdue Extension Kosciusko County announced its partnership with Tippecanoe Valley High School to bring the Reality Store program to 120 sophomore students.
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, according to the release.
Survey results reveal that 96% of students who participated in the Reality Store program reported gaining knowledge that will impact their lives. Key findings include:
• 97% of participants now recognize the importance of having a spending and saving plan (budget).
• 97% intend to set aside funds for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.
• 95% 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, stated the release.
Invaluable real-life lessons emerged from students, reflecting the impact of the curriculum. When asked what key takeaways they gained, students shared their insights, such as:
• Life is hard, and essentials like childcare, groceries, and housing are costly.
• I learned how to budget — money doesn’t grow on trees.
• Student loans are a heavy burden, taking a significant chunk of your income.
• Unexpected events can push you into debt.
• The overwhelming number of bills adults have to manage each month.
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].


AKRON – Purdue Extension Kosciusko County announced its partnership with Tippecanoe Valley High School to bring the Reality Store program to 120 sophomore students.
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, according to the release.
Survey results reveal that 96% of students who participated in the Reality Store program reported gaining knowledge that will impact their lives. Key findings include:
• 97% of participants now recognize the importance of having a spending and saving plan (budget).
• 97% intend to set aside funds for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.
• 95% 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, stated the release.
Invaluable real-life lessons emerged from students, reflecting the impact of the curriculum. When asked what key takeaways they gained, students shared their insights, such as:
• Life is hard, and essentials like childcare, groceries, and housing are costly.
• I learned how to budget — money doesn’t grow on trees.
• Student loans are a heavy burden, taking a significant chunk of your income.
• Unexpected events can push you into debt.
• The overwhelming number of bills adults have to manage each month.
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].


Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


vacation of Public Way
VACATION OF AN UNNAMED PUBLIC WAY THE PLAT OF WOOSTER

Data Center
Editor, Times-Union: I am writing to express my deep concerns about the proposed data center in Clunette, Indiana, and its potential impact on our community's agricultural heritage. As residents, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a rich history of farming and agriculture that has shaped not only the landscape but also the identity of our community. The proposed development threatens to disrupt this tradition and could have long-term consequences for our agricultural future.

Public Occurrences 03.31.25
County Jail Bookings The following people were arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:

Data Center
Editor, Times-Union: I am writing this letter in response to the proposed construction of a data center in the Leesburg/Clunette area. The proposed site is 1 mile from where my wife and I currently live.

Zachary Henry Woodcock
Zachary Henry Woodcock, 34, Warsaw, died Thursday, March 27, 2025.