There is a need in Webster County for students to be educated on how their current grades are going to affect their future goals and careers. There are many students who are just "getting by" academically, as reported by teachers and FRYSC Coordinator at the Webster County Middle School. Students aren't able to understand how their decisions now are going to impact their lives in a few short years when they graduate high school.

The Reality Store Program is implemented as an educational tool to help students understand what it takes to "live." 7th grade Webster County Middle School students choose a career based on their GPA, then they draw for the number of children they will have. They go to different booths such as Uncle Sam (taxes), Credit Card, Student Loans, Home (ownership or rent), Auto, Groceries, Furniture, and more. Through this they are able to see how much it will cost them to live on their salary if they go into the career they are setting themselves up for now. So the students who have lower GPAs have lower salaries and must find a way to manage their money so that they can survive month to month.

The 7th grade students at the middle school are the target audience because they are still deciding on their pathways at this point in school. They have also just started Middle School so now is a good time to get them thinking about their grades and decision making before they get to high school.

The Family and Consumer Science Agent at the Webster County Extension Office worked with the FRYSC Coordinator at the middle school to plan this program as well as several school professionals. Community partners were asked to come volunteer their time on the day of the program at the booths. Many of them stated they were thankful for the program and that the students were able to see what it takes to "live" in today's world.

Per evaluations, 91% of students claimed their level of understanding of how their career choice will affect their lifestyle someday increased from what their understanding was prior to participating in Reality Store. In addition, 86% showed an increase in understanding about what it costs to raise a child.

Several students commented how they had no idea what it costs to live every month and said they would be thanking their parents when they got home.