Over 280 high school students learned real-life lessons in money management at the Western Maryland Credit Union Financial Reality Fair on October 25th. The event prepares students for financial success by giving them a firsthand experience of what it’s like to live within their means.

Students choose a career and budget for essentials based on their income. They can also choose to spend their hard-earned money on non-essentials such as vacations, spa treatments, and pets. The real-life simulation teaches students how to budget wisely.

“Financial education is a vital tool for empowering our young people to make informed decisions about their future,” said Becky McKenzie, CEO of WEPCO FCU and Western Maryland Chapter President, MD|DC CUA. “The Western Maryland CU Reality Fair provides a hands-on experience that equips students with decision-making skills they will need to manage their personal finances. We appreciate the collaboration and support of our credit union partners, Allegany County Public Schools, the Association and the Foundation.”

Students from Allegany, Mountain Ridge, and Fort Hill High Schools, as well as the Center for Career and Technology Education, participated in the event.

Representatives from Allegany County Public Schools (ACPS) who attended the reality fair included Superintendent Jeff Blank, CFO Larry McKenzie, Career Coach Landon Loya, and Supervisor for Career & Technical Education Joseph Brewer.

The Credit Union Reality Fair was hosted by the Western Maryland Chapter of the MD|DC Credit Union Association in partnership with the Association and Credit Union Foundation MD|DC.

40 volunteers from the following credit unions assisted: ACT 1st FCU, Chessie FCU, SECU, and WEPCO FCU.