A reality fair is a simulation of an adult’s financial life that allows participants to experience making financial decisions and managing money. Participants can experience what it is like to manage an account at a financial institution, make money-related decisions, obtain a loan, manage debt, and more. For youth, a reality fair can be an eye-opening, exciting, and fun way to build financial knowledge and skills.

Every year, the entire junior class will attend the SHS Financial Reality Fair.  Each student will be assigned an occupation, allotted a comparable salary, and given a budget planning form in advance.  During the fair, they will be required to visit multiple booths that represent a variety of common living expenses.  By the end of the fair, they will have had to develop an acceptable monthly budget and overcome any unexpected financial obstacles.