News Release

WARSAW — Purdue Extension Kosciusko County partnered with Whitko Junior-Senior High School to bring the “Reality Store” program to 63 students in 12th grade on Jan. 29.

The educational initiative consisted of six interactive sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, designed to teach essential money management skills.

Through Reality Store, students engaged in hands-on activities that were meant to empower them to track their spending, create budgets, devise weekly meal plans and navigate typical monthly expenses. This practical approach is intended to enhance financial literacy and prepare students for real-life financial responsibilities.

Survey results revealed that all of the students who participated in the Reality Store program reported gaining valuable knowledge that will positively impact their lives.

All participants said:

• They now recognize the importance of having a spending and saving plan — a budget.
• They are confident in their ability to complete a check registry.
• They have committed to making saving a priority in their financial lives.

When asked what key insights they had gained, students said:

• “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.”
• “Kids are expensive. I need to plan when and how many I went.”
• “Life is expensive. I need to save more money and make wise decisions.”
• “Interest rates are high, and the economy is tough.”
• “I need to save for emergencies and unexpected events.”
• “You have to make tough choices.”

The responses highlight the financial awareness instilled by the program, and how the program helps to prepare young people to navigate the complex financial realities of adulthood.

For more information about the Reality Store program or to learn how to implement it in your school, contact Shannon Shepherd, Kosciusko County Health and Human Science educator, at (574) 372-2340 or via email at [email protected].