This three-part career exploration and money management program is a hands-on experience that gives young people the opportunity to explore careers and make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those adults face on a daily basis. Both Career Exploration and Checkbook Training take one class period each and can be given by an Extension educator or trained teacher/volunteer. The Simulation can be done as a two-three hour workshop. Youth are given a "job," set up sample savings/checking accounts, and learn how to record and manage their accounts. They proceed through housing, insurance, utilities, groceries, clothing, entertainment, etc. University of Illinois Extension provides all materials. However, for Simulation, the school coordinator will need to locate local people to run stations, such as realtor, car dealer, banker.

IL State Learning Standards: 05A, 05B, 05C, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D