Education Workforce Readiness

A program of the Alabama 4-H Consumer Science Project partnered by the Shoals Chamber of Commerce. Reality Check is a fun money management program for grades 7-12. It is a simulation of life at age 25. Each participant chooses a career that interests them.  They're given an average salary for the career, a level of education and a family situation. They visit the various real-life stations monitored by volunteers and learn what it takes to make it financially.

The Experience

• A hands-on, real-life simulation that gives youth the opporunity to glance into the future in a fun and exciting way.
• An understanding of gross and net pay.
• The experience of payin monthly living expenses.
• The practice of writing a check and use of an account ledger
• An opportunity to comparison shop to stay within a budget
  
  

Reality Check Stations

• Automotive - purchase a vehicle or choose alternate transportation like a bus pass.
• Reality - Select housing arrangements
• Clothing - Purchase at least one item from the clothing booth
• Super Mart - Groceries and personal items are a mandatory purchase
• That's Life - Random life occurences.  Participants draw a card and either make a payment or have unexpected income.
• Utilities - Electricity, gas, water and a phone are required.  Cable TV and internet are optional expenses.
• Insurance - Health insurance is a required expense.  Life, dental and renter's insurance are optional.  Car insurance is included with the car purchase.
• Just for Fun - Work/life balance is important.  Everyone must purchase one form of entertainment.
• Jobs - Sometimes there is "more month than money".  If someone is in need of a part-time job, they can get it here
• Daycare - Working participants with children must pay for daycare.
• Bank - Put money into a savings account, mutual fund, 401k, or CD and pay a student loan.
• Helping Hands Volunteer - Participants have the option of donating any amount of money they choose to a charitable organization.
  
  
• Contact:
  Stephanie Newland, Vice President of Education Workforce Readiness
  e: snewland@shoalschamber.com     p: 256-764-4661

The Workforce Readiness Institute for Educators (WRI) brings educators and businesses together in small group discussions and industry tours to help educators see for themselves and better understand how their academic subjects relate to and are used in real jobs within the community.  See full information HERE

Educators who are interested in this program may register HERE

Lesson plans from past participants can be found HERE

Contact:
Stephanie Newland, Vice President of Education Workforce Readiness
e: snewland@shoalschamber.com p: 256-764-4661

The Shoals Chamber of Commerce Member Job Board  HERE

You must be a member to post a job - instructions HERE

Contact:
Stephanie Newland, Vice President of Education Workforce Readiness
e: snewland@shoalschamber.com p: 256-764-4661

The Shoals Chamber of Commerce is collaborating on a Virtual Job Fair with North AlabamaWorks and educational partners across north Alabama to assist dislocated workers and other job seekers to connect with in-demand job openings.

Those individuals laid-off due to COVID-19 also may qualify for no-cost trainings and certifications funded from the government for dislocated workers (your tax dollars at work!). The Upwards Career & Training Fair (virtual job fair) seeks to match Job Seekers interested in upskilling/reskilling and finding a fulfilling career with employers who provide family-sustaining wages.

There is NO COST for you to participate.

Employers, Training Providers & Job Seekers REGISTER HERE

Contact:  
Stephanie Newland, Vice President of Education Workforce Readiness
e: snewland@shoalschamber.com p: 256-764-4661