On March 25 & 29 the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Magazine High School staff and community members to conduct the “Ready, Set, Graduate” program. Ready, Set, Graduate is a financial management program that teaches high school senior’s skills in budgeting, banking and the wise use of credit.
During the first day of RSG, seniors participated in educational classes on budgeting, banking, and credit. These lessons were taught by Magazine High School CTE instructors. Students learned how to write checks, balance a checkbook, create a budget based on a prospective salary for their chosen career, resume writing and interview etiquette.
On the second day, students had the opportunity to apply these skills during the “Mall of Life” simulation. Stations were set up in the gym and manned by area businesses and community members. At each station,students made decisions similar to those adults make each month. Students had to buy or rent a home, purchase a car, insurance, utilities and other common expenses, all while staying within their proposed monthly budget.
The seniors also participated in mock interviews conducted by community members from Mercy, First Western Bank, Cooperative Extension Service, Shelter Insurance, Mountain Vista Real Estate, and Magazine High School Staff. During interviews, students were evaluated on their professionalism, dress and resume, then informed whether or not the company would “hire” them based on this evaluation. Students walked away with a better understanding of “adulting” and skills that will help them once they graduate High School.
The Extension Service would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for helping to make Ready, Set, Graduate a success:Jimmy Pannell and Matt Barry – Shelter Insurance, Venus Avery and Christin Villarreal – First Western Bank, Aaron Brewer – Mountain Vista Real Estate, and Megan Evans and Randi Brown – Mercy Hospital. We would also like to thank the sponsors who provided door prizes for the students: 22 Brew and Walmart – Booneville.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
