Reality Check Opens Akron High School Students' Eyes

United Way of Summit County was once again pleased to participate in the 'Reality Check' program at an Akron Public High School. Today, Ellet joined past participants East and Garfield in holding this innovative program that exposes 10th graders to the costs that come with being an adult.

In preparation for the Reality Check day, students choose a career they'd like to have someday. Their teachers evaluate if that's a realistic goal - based on the student's grades, attendance and other factors. When the students arrive at the gym on Reality Check day, they're given a sheet with their occupation listed along with their monthly gross salary.

Then comes the Reality part.

All around the gym are tables under banners like 'Uncle Sam,' 'Banking,' 'housing,' 'transportation,' and more. The students have to visit each one and discover how far their income takes them (or in many cases, doesn't take them).

The first stop is of course Uncle Sam where the students learn that taxes take a large portion of their money. They're encouraged to visit the bank and put some money away in a savings account.

Then the decisions start - buy a house or rent an apartment? Used car or a bus pass? High fashion or thrift store?

One of the real eye openers for many students is the cost of childcare. You hear many participants walking past saying "I didn't know it was so expensive to have kids!"

And I get to sit at the 'Contributions' table, which is always an enlightening experience. Some students seek me out. They want to tithe the required 10% to their church. Others have very high paying jobs and a lot of money left over after visiting all the tables, and they compete with other students to make the largest contribution.

Reality Check is a great program in the Akron Public Schools, and I am very glad to be a part of it each year.