Eighth grade students in the Lauderdale County School District were given an opportunity to learn about spending and budgeting at a Reality Fair Thursday at Meridian Community College’s Dulaney Center.

Students were given a “hands-on” experience, choosing a career, receiving an income and then progressing through “life” (via booths), figuring out where they would live, how much they would spend on transportation, entertainment and more, according to a news release. Students also spin the “Wheel of Reality,” where they have to manage an unexpected expense or windfall. 

“It is real life and it is so effective,” Randy Hodges, superintendent of Lauderdale County Schools said in a statement. “You could see the interaction between our business community and our students.”

The program, in its third year, is sponsored by MUNA Federal Credit Union and Meridian Mutual Federal Credit.

“In the weeks leading up to this event, we incorporate information on careers, life choices and budgeting into the curriculum of many of our classes,” counselor Terisa Pittman said in a statement. “Our students come away with a much greater understanding of a real person’s salary and how to use that when they are old enough to live on their own.”

Scheduled to present at the fair were: Anderson Health & Fitness Center; C-Spire; EMEPA; GameStop; Glitz & Glamor; Guide One Insurance; the Meridian Board of Realtors; Meridian Community College’s Cosmetology Program; KIA of Meridian; East Central Mississippi Kennel Club; and Winn Dixie.