Asheville Middle School Reality Store

Simulating Real-World Scenarios

On March 28th, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe helped Asheville Middle School manage volunteers for the Reality Store, a fun financial education simulation that teaches all 250 sixth grade students about budgeting skills by participating in real world scenarios. 

Each student had the chance to “purchase” basic household needs like water, electricity, car insurance and childcare from "stores" set-up in the gym. Students had to make purchase decisions (e.g. used vs. new car, house size, etc.) to provide necessities for his or her family while not breaking the budget.

Community volunteers, including some from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville, did a great job helping students manage budgets, assisting students with check writing and connecting budget woes to the real world. Thanks all our volunteers!

Hands On has at least 260 opportunities to volunteer each month, including fun events that teach students about financial education. To find your passion, share values and stay active, check out the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe website.

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