United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK), in partnership with The Pando Initiative, is bringing Reality U back to Great Bend Middle School for the 10th year on Oct. 15. 

Equipping eighth-grade students with the tools to build strong financial futures, Reality U is a hands-on simulation where students receive a mock life scenario – including career, salary, family situation, and debt. They must then navigate real-world financial decisions such as paying rent, buying groceries, and managing transportation – all within their assigned budgets. The program highlights the challenges of financial responsibility and helps students understand the long-term impact of money management.

“Reality U gives students a chance to see how the choices they make today can affect their future,” said Charell Owings, executive director of UWCK. “Learning about budgeting, saving, and smart decision-making in middle school sets them up for better habits down the road and helps prepare them for real-life responsibilities.”

In addition to the simulation, students will participate in breakout sessions designed to take a deeper dive into topics that Great Bend Middle School identified as important for student success. Sessions and speakers include:

• Cost of Delinquency –GBMS School Resource Officer

• Preparing for High School –GBHS Counselors

• Job Interviewing – JAG-KS Students

• Youth Crew – Tyler Morton, 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services

• Stress & Anxiety Management – Shanna Long, The Center for Counseling and Consultation

• Banking & Finance – Becca Maxwell, Sunflower Bank

This year’s Reality U event is possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsor: Sunflower Bank

• Event Sponsors: First Kansas Bank, Farmers Bank & Trust, City of Great Bend, Nex-Tech Wireless, MPIRE Realty Group, The University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus, Equity Bank, The Buckle, Marmie Auto Group, and Credit Union of America.

In addition to financial support, many sponsors also volunteer at the event, guiding students through stations and sharing their own real-world expertise.

United Way of Central Kansas extends its gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and partners who made Reality U a success. Together, we are preparing the next generation with the skills they need to thrive financially and personally.

For more information about United Way of Central Kansas and its impact programs, visit www.uwck.org.