LOST CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) — Harrison County Schools is launching a pilot program sponsored by Truist Bank called “Reality Check Personal Finance Simulation” aimed at teaching students how to respond to real-life scenarios. did.
The personal finance simulation is similar to the “Get a Life simulation” that middle schools across the county participated in this year, the only difference being that it is aimed at high school students. A group of South Harrison 11th graders began the pilot Tuesday and were the first to experience the program.
During the simulation, students received various real-life scenarios in which they visited a train station to buy daily necessities and shop for desired items. Some of the scenarios and stations include:
- housing
- public works
- automatic
- insurance
- groceries
- Childcare
- retail
- just for fun
- part-time job
- Banking: checking accounts, savings, 401(k), 12 month CDs, mutual funds, credit.
South Harrison student Piper Dotson told 12 News she worked as a telemarketer, was single and had no children. She said her job did not provide insurance. She had not committed any crimes and her credit score was 691. So she didn't have to pay for her childcare because she didn't have any children, but she did have to pay for insurance.
Other students with children were shocked at how much it cost. When talking about what she learned, Dotson said she wondered if the prices were real. Although it was a shock, she said she feels more prepared now.
The program is currently in the pilot phase, but Dr. Geraldine Beckett, Harrison County's Career and Technical Education Program Liaison Specialist, said she hopes to bring it to more high schools next year.
“These things become real for them, right? They listened to what their parents said, and now it will mean even more to them. will be able to make better decisions,” she said.
Dr. Beckett would like to thank all the volunteers and individuals who helped make Tuesday possible for all participating students at South Harrison High School.
