Facing an energy crisis and rapidly changing economic conditions, the value of a dollar and a good education is even more important today. Young men and women, preparing to enter the workplace, are ill prepared to face the challenges of living on their own. Reality Store is designed to give students a “wake-up call” to the real world. For the past Fifteen years, the Trimble County Extension Service has taken the lead in collaborating with the Trimble County School system, educators, businesses, and community volunteers to help students better understand the relationship between academics and career choices through the Reality Store program. In 2018, 220 eighth-grade and sophomore students were provided the opportunity to gain knowledge involved in preparing for an employable future and basic money management. Students were required to make “real-life” financial decisions which included income taxes, housing, property taxes, banking, charitable contributions, transportation, insurance, groceries, utilities, child care, entertainment, health, clothing, communications, and even the unexpected life crisis. 

More than 80 percent of the students surveyed indicated they increased their knowledge in the following areas: what it costs to raise a child, what it costs to maintain a household, what type of education it takes to get the job I want, how the type of job I want affects how much money I will make, and how income determines lifestyle. One student said, “I thought I would have plenty of money and I had to get a second job.” Another student said I learned, “that even if you go with the lowest priced things you still end up with very little money”. And another student when asked what did you learn today that surprised you the most, they answered, “I learned you really need to do good in school to get a good job, because if you don’t there is no way you’ll make it in life.” Students also indicated they would definitely: try harder in school – 69 percent, get more education after high school – 85 percent, make wiser financial decisions – 60 percent, and save more money – 71 percent. Approximately 44 volunteer community leaders contributed 200 service hours. Volunteer comments on Reality Store include: “I enjoyed working with the students and seeing their reaction to the prices of things.”, and “because it teaches them the effect their grades can have on their life”. Twelve junior and senior high school students from the Future Business Leaders of America volunteered 60 service hours to this educational endeavor.