United Way of Ellis County
What does it really cost to live on your own? On April 14, 8th grade students at Hays Middle School got a firsthand look through Reality U, an interactive simulation that puts them in the shoes of a 26-year-old adult managing a monthly budget.
Hosted by United Way of Ellis County, the program is part of a broader effort to strengthen financial security by helping young people understand the real-world impact of everyday financial decisions.
Reality U brings a dose of “real life” to students through a 75-minute, engaging personal finance experience. Each student assumes the role of a 26-year-old adult and completes a lifestyle survey, which generates a personalized financial scenario. These scenarios include details such as monthly income, student loan and credit card debt, and family responsibilities.
Students are tasked with managing their monthly budget by visiting booths that represent typical adult expenses such as housing, transportation, childcare, groceries, and more. Using a checkbook register, they track their spending and make decisions about how to allocate their income.
At the start of the simulation, many students are excited by the possibilities their “salary” provides, often opting for larger homes or newer vehicles. However, as they move through the exercise and encounter the true cost of living, that excitement quickly shifts.
Students are challenged to rethink their choices, adjust spending, and, in some cases, take on additional work to avoid going into the negative. The experience highlights the difficult trade-offs many families face every day.
By the end of the simulation, students gain a clearer understanding of the financial realities of adulthood and the importance of budgeting, education, and career planning. The program builds financial literacy while also increasing awareness of the challenges faced by working families in our community.
United Way of Ellis County extends its sincere thanks to The Pando Initiative, the more than 70 community volunteers, business sponsors, and Hays Middle School for their partnership in making this event possible.
Through programs like Reality U, United Way remains committed to improving financial stability for our community members.
This work also supports a broader focus on the ALICE population, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and represents households that are working but still struggle to make ends meet.
United Way of Ellis County looks forward to continuing Reality U this fall with local high school students. Community members who are interested in volunteering, partnering, or supporting this work are encouraged to contact United Way to learn how they can get involved and help make a lasting impact.
Reality U Premier Sponsors:
Midwest Energy
Nex-Tech Wireless
Walmart
Reality U Table Sponsors:
Auto World
Bank of Hays
Commerce Bank
Farm Bureau Financial Services – Danny Dinkel & Associates
First Kansas Bank
Golden Plains Credit Union
Sunflower Bank
Women Who Lead