Career Tech
Reality Town
What is Reality Town?
Reality Town is a hands-on simulation in which our eighth grade students
learn the realities of adulthood as they make lifestyle and budget decisions, take on careers, salaries, families and the financial responsibilities of the adult world.
What Concepts Are Taught in Reality Town?
Prior to the Reality Town simulation, students are encouraged to explore career choices and set goals for their futures. The students also compose a resume, complete a job application and learn to write checks and balance a checkbook. During the simulation, students learn hands-on how to budget money, practice writing checks, learn about tax withholdings, and are educated as to the many financial obligations faced by adults. After the simulation, the students analyze their experience and discuss the realities of the simulation with their teacher and peers. 
Students are also taught about savings and debt and the effects of interest.
What are the Goals of Reality Town?
Reality Town is intended to encourage our students to look towards their futures and realize that the choices they make now can and will affect their future lives. We hope that students come away with the knowledge that school, and the knowledge obtained there, is an important step in the development of who they may become, and the lifestyle that they will have. We also hope that students will realize the financial impact that they themselves have upon their own families, and have a greater respect for the financial responsibilities of their parents.
How Can I Help?
The foundation for a successful
Reality Town is community involvement and support. Each year, schools in our area need volunteers to work with our students in the Reality Town simulation. No prior experience is necessary. If you would like to aid your local school in Reality Town, please contact the school’s Reality Town coordinator and tell them that you would like to volunteer. The community is what makes Reality Town great.
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