The Orleans Career and Technical Education Center’s SkillsUSA Chapter recently held a reality store event.  A reality store is a financial simulation that allows students to learn more about career planning, money management and budgeting and decision making. 

Students from each of the career and tech education programs chose a career, received a “paycheck” and learned how to budget their pay to meet monthly expenses, along with unexpected expenses.  SkillsUSA advisor Sarah Ivory was very pleased at how smoothly the simulation went and said it was gratifying to hear the positive feedback from students.  SkillsUSA member Amber Hoerner says it was a helpful experience for everyone.  “We decided this was a good exercise because everyone has to pay bills and it gives students an idea of what to expect after graduation and how much they will save and spend their money.”