“Reality Check” is a way for students to not only get the school year started on the right foot, but also their futures. It provides students a glimpse at what real life will be like. From paying bills, caring for children and pets, to managing through unexpected expenses, it is a true reality check to see if what they are planning to do for a career will give them the lifestyle the envision for themselves.
Goodwill partners with local schools to bring this interactive, financial “fitness” program to students. It gives teens and pre-teens a glimpse at future obligations and responsibilities and puts it in perspective for them.
In preparation for Reality Check, students work with their teachers to determine their career at age 30. They then choose if they are married and how many children they have. When they arrive at Reality Check, they are given a paycheck based on their career choice and then the fun really begins. They travel through life stations to see how far their paycheck will go. Life stations include:
- Buying or renting a home
- Phone and utility plans
- Vehicle purchase
- Medical costs
- Recreational activities and more
They also have to place money in savings and in addition to the routine monthly responsibilities above, they face unexpected medical bills and maintenance costs. At the end of the circuit they are met by a career counselor who talks with them about their career decision and the outcome of the Reality Check – whether they had money left or not.
Upcoming Dates:
| October 11th | Reality Check | 9am – 2pm | Lucy Addison Middle School, Roanoke City |
| October 18th | Reality Check | 9am – 2pm | Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Franklin County |
| October 19th | Reality Check | 9am – 2pm | Area 2 WIOA Program in Christiansburg |
For more information on Reality Check, click here.