“The Reality Store is a realistic look into their future,” said Natalie Daily Federer, director of Purdue Extension of Pulaski County. “The kids research and pick a career and then are provided a salary and have to learn to budget their money as they pay taxes, school loans, purchase a car, house and much more.”

Eighth-grade students at West Central Middle School recently participated in the program.

Reality Store is designed to be an educational experience to promote completing high school and seeking secondary education. Students move throughout the Reality Store stations to purchase what they need in life and to learn about higher education, budgeting their money and what it takes to live the life they want to live. As they work their way around the Reality Store, they also encounter unexpected events which often throw them for financial or personal loops. 

Monica Gainor, West Central Middle School counselor, helps organize the event. Her students wrote down comments on their Reality Store Book such as, “You have to spend money wisely,” “Bills and things are expensive and right now, we have it easy,” and “It’s difficult to be an adult.”

“When they unexpectedly have a child, and have to pay for food, clothing and daycare, that really makes the students take a step back and see how expensive raising a child is,” said Daily Federer. 

“They sometimes try to return the child which is unrealistic and humorous, but we explain to them that it doesn’t work that way. They may need to return their cell phone or get a cheaper vehicle to make their budget work.”

The Reality Store is offered in partnership with West Central eighth-grade and the Purdue CooperativemExtension Office of Pulaski County. If you have questions about Reality Store, please contact the Extension Office at 574-946-3412.