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Reality U returns to USD 428 next week
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Courtesy photo Pictured is a scene from last year’s Reality U program in Great Bend.

The United Way of Central Kansas announces the Reality U™ program on Oct. 16th, aimed at equipping students with essential financial literacy skills. The program is possible due to partnership from Great Bend Middle School who hosts the event each year. Sponsored by Credit Union of America-Great Bend, Buckle, City of Great Bend, Farmers Bank and Trust, First Kansas Bank, Marmie Auto Group, MPIRE Realty Group, Spectrum CPA Partners, LLC, University of Kansas Health System-Great Bend, Equity Bank, and Nex-Tech Wireless, this event emphasizes the link between education and future financial success. These sponsors not only donate monetarily to bring this program to Great Bend students, but they also volunteer their staff to work the event. It takes more than 30 volunteers to facilitate the program and the breakout sessions each year. Along with the sponsors, the Great Bend Middle School Booster Club also sponsors lunch for all the workers that day. 

Reality U™ is a 75-minute interactive simulation where 8th grade students from Great Bend Middle School and Central Kansas Christian Academy take on the role of a 26-year-old managing real-life financial decisions. Each student’s scenario is tailored to their GPA, school attendance, and extracurricular participation, challenging them to balance monthly expenses like housing, transportation, and credit card payments while keeping a checkbook register.

“Financial literacy is a crucial skill for young people as they prepare for adulthood,” states Charell Owings, Executive Director of United Way of Central Kansas. “By teaching students how to manage money early on, we’re setting them up for future success. This program not only provides practical financial skills, but it also helps students understand the direct impact that their education and decisions today have on their financial well-being later. When our youth are financially literate, the entire community benefits.”

Along with the simulation, breakout sessions led by community members will cover key life skills:

• Reality After High School – Davis Jimenez will guide students through the financial realities they will face after high school.

• Cost of Delinquency – Ethan Thomas, GBMS School Resource Officer, will highlight the legal consequences of poor choices.

• Preparing for High School – GBHS Guidance Counselors will help students prepare for the transition to high school.

• Interviewing Skills – Great Bend High School JAG-KS Leadership will provide tips on mastering job interviews.

• Youth Crew – Tyler Morton from Barton County Juvenile Services will discuss community involvement and leadership opportunities through Youth Crew.

• Stress & Anxiety Management – Shanna Long from The Center for Counseling will offer strategies for managing mental health and well-being. 

These sessions provide a comprehensive educational experience, building life skills that go beyond financial literacy.

UWCK is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities throughout Central Kansas. By mobilizing resources, fostering partnerships, and advocating for social change, United Way of Central Kansas works to address the most pressing needs facing the community and create lasting impact. For more information or to get involved, contact United Way of Central Kansas at 620-792-2403 or visit www.uwck.org.