GAC Students Learn Budgeting through “Get a Life” Project

Pictured from left: GAC middle school students David Dove, Aiden Trotto and RJ Beck are assisted by GAC teacher Stacy Hooper, center, while they pay utility bills and adjust their bank statements during the role playing program “Get a Life.”

Gateway Achievement Center students participated in a unique adventure on Tuesday that promoted economic literacy with realistic financial situations and resolution options, along with teaching problem-solving skills.

The “Get a Life” program was developed for the West Virginia Treasurer’s Office by Fairmont State University to teach students statewide about managing personal finances through a fairly fun budget simulation.

GAC middle and high school students were assigned careers with an annual salary and a monthly income. They moved from station to station purchasing goods and services, such as groceries, utilities, insurance and housing.

Students participated in two rounds. In the first cycle, they had an entry level career and during the second rotation were given a professional career after obtaining a college degree and/or specialized training. The “Green Reaper” could strike at any time and hit individual students with a calamity, such as a natural disaster, flat tire or speeding ticket. Students then had to adjust their budgets to cover the Green Reaper’s task.

The “Get a Life” hands-on activity took students approximately 90 minutes to complete and provided them with a series of financial challenges and financial education experiences that engaged students with realistic family budget scenarios. Community volunteers comprised of Jennifer Gouldsberry, Lisa Zukoff and Lisa Ingram from the WVU Extension Service. Volunteers from Williams included Jodi Blatt, Kathy James, Patty Murphy and April Villers.

By visiting various business stations and managing an expense ledger, students learned to make choices that will affect their financial future. Participating students walked away with the skills to make better financial decisions. They also learned how higher education will help advance their career goals.