Honesdale High School and The Dime Bank partnered to offer an exciting educational collaboration for our high school students. On Thursday, October 19, 2023, 85 students participated in our first ever Reality Fair. This unique experience afforded students an opportunity to engage with over 30 community members in a real world simulation.
Each student was given a random career profile and associated financial details, including income level and credit rating. Based on this preliminary information, students moved from station to station discussing various key aspects of real life, making important decisions based on individual options.
Station topics included housing considerations (buying vs. renting and associated maintenance costs), transportation options (buying vs. leasing), childcare costs (students will randomly select cards indicating 0-3 children) and health insurance concerns. Additional aspects included exploring banking options, household spending decisions, key considerations of credit cards and charitable giving contributions. Students even experienced the random curveballs life can throw by visiting “The Unexpected” station.
At the conclusion of the event, students calculated and reflected upon the choices they made and how each affected their overall financial picture. This experience provided students an opportunity to increase financial literacy skills while engaging with our wonderful community members in meaningful, thoughtful conversation. Students took valuable skills with them as they continue to forge their individual paths.
Wayne Highlands School District would like to thank The Dime Bank for sponsoring this beneficial event and being such a wonderful partner in this unique venture. The district also thanks its community volunteers for their willingness to spend their valuable time with the district’s fantastic students.