Does your 13 year old know how much it costs to own a home? Do they know anything about student loans? The 8th graders at Crown Point Community School Corporation are about to get a big reality check!
On Friday November 3rd 2017 the CPCSC will hold its annual Reality StoreSM for the 8th grade students. The Reality StoreSM is brought to us by the “Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce” which hosts the event at various schools every year. Volunteers are recruited by the Chamber of Commerce from various regional businesses to come and assist the students.
The Reality StoreSM is an opportunity for teenagers to get a glimpse into what life is like as an adult. This is a chance for them to experience some financial obligations that adults face and learn how to prioritize. They will make simulated purchases of homes, cars, insurance, student loans and more!
Colonel John Wheeler Middle School hosts this event every year for approximately 700 8th grade students and 60-100 volunteers from local businesses. The 8th grade students at Colonel John Wheeler and Robert A. Taft Middle schools have been preparing for this since August. All students have participated in a career interest inventory to find careers that closely reflect their interests. The students will then be given a “mock” paycheck so that they can visualize their earnings and learn how/why taxes are withheld. This will be their spending money for the Reality StoreSM! Hopefully they save some in case of an emergency!