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].