On April 8, five AAUW Sacramento branch members volunteered at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove in The Bite of Reality Program, directed by the Schools Financial Credit Union.

The Bite of Reality program teaches basic money management skills in a fun, interactive setting. It is a hands-on simulation designed to provide teens with a taste of real-world financial realities such as paying off student loans, obtaining medical insurance, and paying for basic necessities like groceries and utilities. The goal of the event is to provide students the opportunity to experience the financial responsibility of being an adult in a safe environment where the results of a financial misstep do not have real-world consequences.

At the start of the session, teens are given a fictional identity, including an occupation, salary, family, credit cards, and a checking account. They then visit a variety of table-top stations to purchase housing, transportation, food, clothing, household necessities, daycare and other needs. Branch members Cherril Peabody, Robin Howlett, May Ruth Lynch, Nancy McCabe, and Shari Beck participated in these stations.

Although a tiring day, it was a most worthwhile and valuable experience, and one we as a branch may want to pursue in a volunteering capacity. If you have ideas, and/or wish to be a part of this effort, please contact Cherril Peabody.