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Narrative: This activity was developed in 1998 by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service and piloted at Jo Byms and Greenbrier Schools in Robertson County as a community service project by the Class of 2000 and the Chamber of Commerce. It is a simulation activity where high school students are assigned a job (a card with the annual and monthly salary…taxes are deducted) and a family scenario (single with 2 children, married with 4 children, etc.) They are given blank checks to write their bills for the month. They must stop at each booth and select housing (apartment or homes of various sizes and prices); utilities (with/without cable); clothing; transportation (economy, SUV, etc); groceries (brand names or generic); and medical expenses. If the students cannot make ends meet, they can secure a part time job (delivering pizzas, etc). Students must also visit the Life's Chances booth where they can "break a leg" and have to write a check to cover those expenses or be given an "inheritance."
Teachers prepare the students prior to the simulation with curriculum developed by the Extension Service. Follow-up discussion occurs to allow students to talk about the experience.
It Works! Eighty-three percent saw a relation between their education and future salary. Student responses to this simulation included comments such as "you get to know what life is like when you have or don't have enough money or income"; "stay in school", "life is expensive", and "I've got to learn to budget my money and spend it wisely". This activity is now being held in twelve high schools in middle Tennessee. In the 1998-99 school year over 10,000 students have participated.
Contact:
Pam Loose
The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service
1030A Cumberland Heights Road
Clarksville, TN 37040
(P)931-648-5725