Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board Hosts Financial Reality Life Fair for Local Teens
The Lakewood Promise Advisory Board, in collaboration with the Youth Council, is set to host the Financial Reality Life Fair on July 24, 2025. This innovative, hands-on event aims to equip teenagers with essential financial literacy skills necessary for adult life. The fair will take place at Pierce College’s Steilacoom Campus from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with real-world budgeting scenarios.
At the heart of the Financial Reality Life Fair is a dynamic simulation that allows participants to select careers that reflect their interests. Based on the chosen profession, each student will receive a simulated monthly salary and will navigate through various booths that replicate real-life expenses, such as housing, transportation, groceries, and childcare. These booths will be managed by volunteers acting as “vendors,” who will assist students in making informed spending decisions. The simulation includes enticing spending opportunities, such as concert tickets and vacations, which will challenge students to stick to their budgets while managing day-to-day financial responsibilities.
After exploring the booths and their associated costs, students will review their financial choices with volunteers to determine whether they successfully maintained a budget or found themselves in the red. This reflective component of the fair is integral, as it emphasizes the importance of making mindful decisions about money, an essential life skill that can contribute to long-term financial stability.
The Financial Reality Life Fair has garnered recognition as an impactful educational experience, blending learning with interactive engagement. The event not only prepares students for future financial responsibilities but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, the organizers are still seeking volunteers to enhance the interactive experience. A diverse array of backgrounds is welcome; no prior financial expertise is necessary, just a passion for engaging with students and contributing to their learning journey.
Event Details:
– Who: Lakewood Promise Advisory Board and Youth Council
– What: Financial Reality Life Fair
– When: Thursday, July 24, 2025, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
– Where: Pierce College – Steilacoom Campus
– Why: To promote financial literacy among high school students through hands-on experience
– How: Volunteers needed to assist students with budgeting scenarios
For additional information or to volunteer, interested individuals can contact Alice Fong via email at [email protected]
The Financial Reality Life Fair is not just an event; it represents a significant initiative aimed at fostering financial competence among the youth, thereby preparing them for the complexities associated with financial independence in adulthood.
