On April 15th and 18th the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Paris 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 Travis Schluterman from Union Bank, Vicki Schneider from Paris High School, and Kaitie Golden from the Logan County Extension Office. 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. 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, Logan County Judge Ray Gack, Natosha Carr – Logan County Judges Office, Paul Hively –Nabholz Construction, John Whitman – Guy Fenter Educational Cooperative, Travis Schluterman and Ashley Watts – Union Bank, Beth Ullrich – Paris School Board Member, and Laura Bauer – Anchor Reality. We would also like to thank the sponsors who provided door prizes for the students: 22 Brew, True Grit Grounds: Coffee and Tea, and Walmart – Paris.
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.
