What is the Reality Store?
It is an active, hands-on, real-life simulation, which gives young people the opportunity to explore
career opportunities and make lifestyle, and budget choices similar to those adults face on a daily basis.
Participants assume that they are 25 years old and have completed basic educational requirements for
their specific occupation. Students then draw a family; some students may not have any children, while
others may have up to 4 children.
Participants are given the opportunity to draw an occupation based on their grade point average. They
are then given the equivalent salary and proceed through the “Reality Store”.
Who are the intended participants for the Reality Store?
The intended participants for the Reality Store are sophomores from Franklin County, Western Hills and
Frankfort High Schools. The intent of the Reality Store can affect a student’s goals and plans for their
future.
Who works in the Reality Store?
Local community business people and leaders volunteer their time and resources for the Reality Store.
Each booth will have a chairperson to develop the need information regarding each specific booth.
How does the Reality Store Work?
At the Reality Store, students will be given an amount of money equivalent to the average monthly salary
in their occupation. The students will then go into the Reality Store where they will need to spend their
salary on the necessities and luxuries they envision as part of the adult lifestyle. Students will also
have the opportunity to visit the Crystal Ball Booth to pull out a “chance” card. “Chance” cards are
those unexpected items that affect their life daily. If for some reason students fine themselves in real
financial trouble, there will be help at the SOS table.
Representatives from the housing industry, utilities, grocery stores, department stores, financial
institutions, auto dealerships, medical profession, child care centers, travel and entertainment, home
repairs/improvements, and of course we can’t forget Uncle Sam, etc., will be present at the reality store
to help the students determine how much of their income will need to be spent in each category in order
to provide them with their desired lifestyle. The goal of this exercise is to help students learn whether
their occupation will provide the type of lifestyle they want.
After their trip through the Reality Store, students will have a greater knowledge on what type of career
they would like to have as an adult and to set goals to achieve that career.
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