Through a partnership with the St. Clair County Board of Education and the St. Clair County Extension Office, almost 700 eighth graders from across the county were transported to the Moody Civic Center to participate in the Reality Check program, a financial simulation for youth.

In the second year for the program, participants pretended to be young adults with occupations, salaries, and often a family. They moved through the simulation with volunteers role-playing various scenarios. Through the activity, the youth learned personal financial management.

More than 60 volunteers manned the stations that included banking, insurance, grocery stores, and medical scenarios. Lauderdale County Extension Coordinator, Heidi Tilenius, St. Clair County Career Coach, Leann Ford, and St. Clair County Board of Education Federal Programs Coordinator, Greg Cobb helped organized the event, spending time and hard work to make the program a success.

“The success of the Reality Check Program validates how important partnerships are in St. Clair County,” Greg Cobb stated.  “We are very thankful for all of the volunteers who spent their day to make life better for our students.”