Stepping Into Adulthood: A Hands-On Financial Reality Fair for Local Youth

This past February, the Town of Amherst’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department hosted an engaging and educational “reality fair” designed to help young people get a glimpse of adult financial life. Held at the Bangs Community Center, the event welcomed students during an early release day for Amherst Regional Public Schools, offering them a unique, hands-on learning experience.

The program was modeled after a nationally developed financial simulation and invited participants to step into the role of an adult managing real-world responsibilities. Each student was given a personalized profile outlining a career, income, and financial situation. From there, they moved through a series of interactive stations representing everyday expenses and decisions - like transportation, housing, and healthcare. As they progressed, students recorded their choices, balancing spending and saving while navigating the realities of a monthly budget.

Throughout the event, volunteers played a key role in bringing the experience to life - and we were grateful to be among them. We participated as one of the interactive stations, where we had the opportunity to engage directly with students as they worked through financial decisions. It was exciting to be part of such a meaningful experience, encouraging youth and helping them think through real-life choices related to budgeting, priorities, and planning for the future.

In addition to the simulation, volunteers also shared their own career journeys, giving students a broader perspective on life beyond school and the many paths they might take.

The structure of the afternoon allowed students to rotate through different stations in small groups, followed by time for reflection and conversation. These discussions encouraged participants to think critically about what they had learned and how those lessons might shape their future decisions.

Events like this reality fair are an important way to equip young people with practical life skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom. By creating a space that was both educational and interactive, the program helped students build confidence in their ability to manage money and make informed choices.

Opportunities like this don’t happen without community support. Volunteers and organizers worked together to create a meaningful experience that will have a lasting impact on the students who attended.

If you’re interested in supporting future initiatives like this, consider getting involved the next time an opportunity arises - whether by volunteering, sharing your expertise, or simply spreading the word. When a community comes together, it creates experiences that truly prepare the next generation for what’s ahead!