West Liberty-Salem High School seniors had the opportunity to gain valuable real-life financial experience Wednesday morning, April 8, as Ohio State University Extension educator Kiley Horn presented the engaging program, “Real Money. Real World.”

The day began in the cafetorium, where students received an introduction and background information about the simulation. From there, seniors moved to the gymnasium, where they rotated through a series of interactive stations designed to mirror real-world financial decisions.

Real Money. Real World. (RMRW) is a nationally-recognized financial literacy program developed by the Ohio State University Extension, especially impactful for high school students preparing to transition into adulthood.

What makes the program unique is its hands-on approach. Students are assigned a career, salary and family scenario, and then are challenged to make budgeting and lifestyle decisions similar to those faced by a 27-year-old adult.

As they navigate real world expenses, such as housing, transportation, food, insurance and childcare, students quickly gain insight into the importance of planning, prioritizing and making informed financial choices.

The success of Real Money. Real World. is rooted in strong community partnerships. Programs like this are made possible through the collaboration of OSU Extension, school staff and local volunteers who helped bring each station to life and provided meaningful, real-world perspectives.

West Liberty-Salem is proud to offer this impactful experience to its seniors as they prepare for life beyond high school. By combining education with hands-on application, students leave the program with a deeper understanding of financial responsibility and the confidence to make informed decisions in their future.