Spring Break
Real Life Academy unites real world, high school
Volunteers help students understand personal finance, money management
Caitlin Heidbrink
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Money/Health
La Crosse pioneered the idea and offered Eau Claire the materials to run the event, Kiley said. Eau Claire North and Regis high schools were the first to take on Real Life Academy in 2004, she said, and has gained popularity ever since.
Kelly Ostrander, Altoona business education teacher, has seen Real Life Academy grow in popularity within her own school. Next fall there will be six sections of students participating compared to the one section this spring, she said.
In addition, schools across the state have contacted Real Life Academy asking to visit Eau Claire because they're interested in the program, Kiley said.
Students can use the experience from Real Life Academy to prepare for college and think about their possible career early, Ostrander said.
"It's about organizing and budgeting and knowing you have to pay back student loans and watching your credit," she said. "Or realizing 'I really want this career but I can't make a living off of it because I want a fancier car.'"
Ostrander said there are a few frustrations for the students. Finding out their career of choice does not support the lifestyle they want or not having enough time to get through the stations were typical remarks, she said.
Kiley and Ostrander said they have also received lots of positive feedback. Real Life Academy was presented to the Eau Claire school district and they were "really impressed," Kiley said. In addition, she said it was eye opening for students and helps to strengthen their money management skills.
"One student said she thought it was going to be 'so lame,'" Ostrander said, "but ended up thinking it was wonderful."
Kelly Ostrander, Altoona business education teacher, has seen Real Life Academy grow in popularity within her own school. Next fall there will be six sections of students participating compared to the one section this spring, she said.
In addition, schools across the state have contacted Real Life Academy asking to visit Eau Claire because they're interested in the program, Kiley said.
Students can use the experience from Real Life Academy to prepare for college and think about their possible career early, Ostrander said.
"It's about organizing and budgeting and knowing you have to pay back student loans and watching your credit," she said. "Or realizing 'I really want this career but I can't make a living off of it because I want a fancier car.'"
Ostrander said there are a few frustrations for the students. Finding out their career of choice does not support the lifestyle they want or not having enough time to get through the stations were typical remarks, she said.
Kiley and Ostrander said they have also received lots of positive feedback. Real Life Academy was presented to the Eau Claire school district and they were "really impressed," Kiley said. In addition, she said it was eye opening for students and helps to strengthen their money management skills.
"One student said she thought it was going to be 'so lame,'" Ostrander said, "but ended up thinking it was wonderful."
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