Charlottesville, VA, July 24, 2025 – This fall, Virginia Career Works – Piedmont, in partnership with the Albemarle/Charlottesville office of Virginia Cooperative Extension and Charlottesville City Schools, will bring the “Real Money. Real World.” financial literacy simulation to three city schools. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and will engage students from Buford Middle School, New Pathways Academy, and Charlottesville Knight School in a hands-on, eye-opening experience about managing personal finances.
Developed by Ohio State University Extension and adapted locally, “Real Money. Real World.” is an interactive program that gives students a taste of adult financial responsibilities. Participants receive a mock occupation, income, family scenario, and debt profile, then navigate real-life spending decisions at stations representing housing, childcare, groceries, transportation, and more.
“This program is about more than just math and numbers. It’s about helping students understand the impact of their choices and empowering them to plan for their futures,” said Sarah Brown, 4-H Education & Outreach Facilitator with Virginia Cooperative Extension. “It’s a fun, engaging way to build financial literacy and workforce readiness.”
This initiative is made possible through a unique collaboration between Virginia Career Works – Piedmont and Virginia Cooperative Extension, a statewide network supported by Virginia’s two land-grant universities: Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. By working together, these partners are expanding access to work-based learning and career development opportunities for students in Albemarle and Charlottesville. The program reflects the land-grant mission to deliver practical, research-based education that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.
The initiative aligns with regional workforce development goals identified in Virginia Cooperative Extension’s situation analyses and VCWP’s Local Plan, both of which emphasize youth development, financial literacy, and career readiness as top priorities for long-term economic resilience.
Community Involvement Encouraged
Local leaders, educators, and professionals are invited to volunteer at the event. Volunteers will guide students through decision-making at various simulation stations, offering insights and encouragement. A volunteer orientation will be held at 9:00 AM on September 24 in the Cherry Avenue Boys & Girls Club gym, with lunch provided. The simulation will conclude around 2:00 PM.
Interested individuals can sign up to volunteer by completing the form linked below by August 25, 2025.
Example of the Program
Presented by The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), the Real Money. Real World. program presents students with interactive spending and budgeting simulations based on real-life events. The Ohio Treasurer’s office has partnered with The Ohio State University to expand the use of this financial education program throughout K-12 schools in Ohio.
About the Partners
- Virginia Career Works – Piedmont connects job seekers, employers, and educators to build a stronger regional workforce. Through innovative programming and strategic partnerships, VCWP empowers individuals with the tools and training needed to thrive in today’s economy.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension – Albemarle/Charlottesville is part of a statewide network that brings the resources of Virginia’s two land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, directly to communities by delivering research-based education and outreach to support youth development, agriculture, and community well-being.
- Charlottesville City Schools is committed to preparing students for success in college, career, and life through inclusive, innovative, and student-centered learning experiences.
For more information or to get involved, contact 4-H Education & Outreach Facilitator Sarah Brown with Virginia Cooperative Extension – Albemarle/Charlottesville at sataylo3@vt.edu.
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