Eighth grade students participate in financial literacy training to prepare for real-world challenges

More than 100 eighthgrade students took part in a hands-on financial literacy training session designed to prepare them for the financial decisions they will face in adulthood. The event, led by adult volunteers and Morgan County Extension staff, offered students real-world scenarios based on a variety of career paths. Each student was assigned a monthly income reflecting the career they were given, and from there, they were tasked with managing their budget across multiple life areas.

The students moved through different stations, each representing essential budget items such as housing, transportation, insurance and childcare. For many, it was a first-time experience in making critical financial decisions. Staff members were on hand to guide them through the process, helping them weigh their options, set priorities and adjust their lifestyle choices to fit within their budget. Concepts like managing insurance costs or deciding on childcare options were new to many students, making the event an invaluable learning experience, according to Extension Coordinator Brett Crow.

This immersive training not only helped students understand the realistic financial expectations associated with different careers, but also taught them how to balance their income and make tough financial choices, Crow said—skills that will be important as they enter adulthood. The program, which impacted more than 100 local youth, was a key step in building the financial literacy and decision-making skills of tomorrow’s workforce.