‘Building a financial savvy generation’
Growing Oaks Federal CreditUnionrecentlybrought its vision to life by hosting the inaugural Reality Fair at Mid-America Technology Center (MATC). This collaborative event between Growing Oaks and Mid-America aligns with MATC’s mission of “Providing a competitive advantage for workforce and economic growth through quality education and training.”
Students who took part in the Reality Fair acquired vital financialskillsthatwillbenefit them in both their personal and professional lives.
PamelaGreening,Growing Oaks Federal Credit Union president and CEO, emphasized the significance of this initiative, “Imagine the confidence of a young adult stepping into the world with the knowledge to manage their finances, makesounddecisions, and build a stable future. This immersive, hands-on event guided students through reallife financial scenarios, teaching them to budget, prioritize expenses,andmakeinformed choices.”
A total of 377 high school seniors and adults from 30 MATC career programs attended the Reality Fair. Students engaged in budgeting exercises, simulated financial decision-making, and real- world spending, which focused on needs versus wants.
MATC students found the experience eye-opening and insightful, as evidenced by what they said.
Medical Office student Alina Alexandersaid,“Ireallyenjoyed gettingtoseewhatadulting looks like. It was super fun and taught us a lot about how to budget.”
Cyber Security student Franklin Linker said, “The Reality Fair was a great opportunity to learn more about managing money wisely. The games provided a way to makefinancesmoreentertaining.”
PaytonLawson,Cosmetology student,said,“Itwasagreat look into life after school.”
Another student said the presentation helped to show how much money you have left after taxes Medical Office student Braelyn Metcalf said, “I had a great time getting to experience making important financial decisionsthatIwillbeable to eventually apply to my everyday life.”
The Reality Fair was made possible by local sponsors who contributed to making theeventengagingandmeaningful. Thecommunities’support is playing a vital role in building a financially savvy generation,ensuringstudents are equipped with the skills to navigate their futures responsibly.
A MATC spokesperson said special thanks go to: Cornerstone Foundation, B&H Construction, Goldsby Sonic, Growing Oaks Association, OEC, Trinity Climate Control, Noble Hardware, Branch Auctions, Evolution Insurance Partners, Goldsby Construction,NFA Wealth Management,FireflyElectric, and Newcastle Chamber of Commerce.
MATCexpectsfutureReality Fairstoimpactstudentsand the communities they serve by helping young adults take control of their financial futures.
