Eighth Graders Learn Financial Responsibility through Reality U
As a proud supporter of financial literacy, Sunflower Bank is thrilled to announce its collaboration with 2023 Community Partner Awards recipient United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) in presenting the 2024 Reality U event. This initiative, hosted by USD 355-Ellinwood, brought together eighth graders from various schools in Barton and Pawnee counties for an engaging and educational experience in personal finance.
Students participating in the event took on the responsibility of a 26-year-old, completing an online lifestyle survey that provides information on occupation, marital status, credit card usage, and grade point average. This data was placed through a trademarked software program to create unique scenarios for each student.
Charell Owings, Executive Director of UWCK, shared her enthusiasm for the event: "Reality U is a unique opportunity for students to step into the shoes of a 26-year-old, gaining practical insights into financial decision-making. We aim to make financial education both fun and impactful."
During Reality U, students manage a student passport, which is their version of a checkbook, through twelve booths. Each booth represents a real-life service or product that forces students into assessing their monthly income, credit card debt, student loans, and family status to make decisions about car purchasing, housing decisions, utilities, insurance, and more.
Becca Maxwell of Sunflower Bank emphasizes the importance of community support for events like Reality U:
"Empowering students with financial education is a gateway to lifelong success. Sunflower Bank is proud to be the presenting sponsor, working alongside local businesses to make this impactful event possible."
"Empowering students with financial education is a gateway to lifelong success. Sunflower Bank is proud to be the presenting sponsor, working alongside local businesses to make this impactful event possible."
In addition to the simulation, students participated in breakout sessions covering several topics including delinquency with Juvenile Services, life after high school with local young leaders, stress management with The Center for Counseling & Consultation, and job interviewing with JAG-KS.
Maxwell notes, "Sunflower Bank is actively involved in the banking and finance session, providing students with insights that extend beyond the simulation."
Additionally, one breakout session this year introduced a volunteer project to the participants as well. Students created Valentine’s Day cards for UWCK’s Box of Love project, assembled silverware for Ellinwood Heritage Senior Center, and contributed to care packages for military personnel in partnership with Dropping 22, Inc.
Sunflower Bank remains committed to empowering the next generation with essential life skills. Through the Reality U event, students were not only taught financial responsibility, but they also gained insights that will shape their future financial success.
Learn More about Reality U on the UWCK website and explore more Sunflower Bank community efforts on our Community Impact Stories page.