The Real Life Academy is an interactive, hands-on, authentic
experience for area high students to learn about money management.
In the fall and spring of every year, nearly 400 juniors and seniors from
Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek, Memorial, North and Regis high schools have researched and
selected their careers, participated in classroom lessons on
financial management, and are ready to put their financial skills to
the test. Each student enters The Real Life Academy with the
profession they aspire to be at ten years after graduation, along
with a family status and a paycheck with one month’s salary. Eau
Claire Chamber of Commerce member business volunteers and school
faculty and administrators will be ready to assist them in
purchasing life’s necessities – housing, transportation, groceries,
and more as they visit 28 stations and make purchasing
decisions.
Realizing that financial literacy is a crucial component to having
an educated workforce in the community, the Eau Claire Chamber
brought forward the idea of The Real Life Academy to area high
schools. If the future workforce is equipped with the knowledge of
how to handle their money, the community has the potential of
becoming financially stronger.
For more information on the Real Life Academy, please contact Katy Kiley, Special Projects and Young Professionals Director.
Testimonials from Students
"The Real Life Academy was an eye-opening experience for me. I learned a lot of different things while I was there. It helped me with budgeting, what to do if you’re in a rough spot, and overall how to use and invest your money wisely. I enjoyed my time being there. I liked the set-up that they had there and all that help was provided when needed. I appreciate the opportunity that I had to go there and all of the volunteers that took time out of there day to help."
Bailey James
Altoona High School
I like how friendly the “owners” of the businesses are during the simulation. I also liked that there was some variation in the outcomes; not everyone came out of the simulation with the same products and money left over.
Nathanael
Altoona High School
The Real Life Academy is sponsored by several Chamber businesses with member
Associated Bank as the Major Sponsor.
