Through a partnership with the Pell City School System and almost 70 community volunteers, 273 Pell City eighth graders participated in the St. Clair County Extension Office sponsored Reality Check program.

Reality Check is a financial simulation for youth in grades 7-12. Participants pretend to be young adults with occupations, salaries, and often a family. They move through the simulation with volunteers role-playing various scenarios. Through the activity, students learn personal financial management.

Youth experience a hands-on, real-life simulation that gives them the opportunity to glance into the future in a fun and exciting way. Students also understand gross and net pay, learn what it takes to pay monthly living expenses, learn to write a check and use a ledger, and learn to comparison shop.

“A special thanks to all the students who participated, Dr. Kim Williams and the Pell City School system, Heidi Tilenius–Lauderdale County Extension Coordinator, and our wonderful community who donated their time to help make this program such a great success!” said St. Clair County Extension Coordinator Lee Ann Clark.

For more information about the program, please contact Lee Ann Clark, County Extension Coordinator, at the St. Clair County Extension Office at 205-338-9416 or visit www.aces.edu.