Meet Sarah Fitterer. A 28-year-old high school graduate turned dental assistant. Sarah, her husband and their two children live in Newark, Ohio. Her husband is on disability and money is tight. The family lives paycheck to paycheck each month. Sarah isn’t sure if they will ever get ahead financially…

Time out.

Sarah Fitterer isn’t 28-years-old. She’s actually an eighth-grade student from Newark. Turns out, her theoretical life is part of a simulation game called, Reality Store. The rules are simple: choose an adult identity, a level of education and an occupation. Monthly earnings and life/family details (i.e., married, single, kids) are predetermined. In Fitterer's case, with a roll of the dice, she aged 15 years, received her high school diploma, and started a family.

The game, and her life, just got interesting. "This experience gave me a real world view of the struggles people go through," said Fitterer. "Sometimes things happen to us that are out of our control. Knowing how to overcome life challenges is really important."

All eighth-graders in Newark city schools take part in Reality Store. Prior to playing, students complete two classroom lessons focused on financial literacy. “We learned education, occupation and earnings are closely connected,” said Fitterer. “I also learned dropping out of high school can have serious consequences.”

The Objective:

This game and its accompanying lessons are part of A Call to College (ACTC). The non-profit organization helps students pursue a path to higher education.

“The more you learn, the more you earn,” said ACTC Associate Programming Director Shannon Chiacchira. “This small phrase has a big meaning. It helps students understand staying in school can lead to a more comfortable, satisfying and financially secure life.”

Let the Game Begin!

Following their classroom lessons, students transform into adults, and the school gym transforms into the Reality Store. With their newly assumed identities, these “adults in action” visit various life stations. They include:

Living Large: You drive a new car, have a topnotch phone plan and shop at high-end stores.

Modest Middle: You drive a used car, talk on an older smartphone, and shop at budget friendly outlets.

Penny Pincher: You take the bus, have a disposable phone, and shop at thrift stores.

Watch out!

If players run out of money before finishing their simulation, they go back to school! A higher education helps them earn more income and greater purchasing power. 

“During the game I bought a house. That was my downfall,” said Fitterer. “I should have rented because I ran out of money toward the end of the experience. So, I went back to school and got my Bachelor’s Degree – that helped!”

Fitterer admits, the Reality Store helped her appreciate the support her parents provide. “I’m one of four children,” she said. “Planning budgets can get really intense!”

The Tassel is Worth the Hassel

Mackenzie Wilkins is an eighth grade teacher in the Newark school district. She agrees with Fitterer - the Reality Store helps students understand the value of saving and investing money.

“After playing the game, they realize their moms and dads pay for a lot,” said Wilkins. “This experience helps them see how much comes out of their parents’ bank accounts – whether that’s childcare, groceries, or insurance. They also understand a college education can really pay off.”

Time to Reflect

At the beginning of the school year, Wilkins asks her students to write a letter, outlining their educational goals.

“Most of the letters I receive have career paths involving college aspirations. I always try to push my students to do their best and work towards those dreams.”

Wilkins knows firsthand the benefit A Call to College can provide. After graduating from her Newark High School, she received a Last Dollar Grant. This coveted scholarship helped pay for her college education.

“Today, I still keep my high school and college graduation pictures on my desk at school,” she smiled. “I also have my graduation caps and diplomas displayed. I believe these visuals help students see they too, can achieve their dreams if they work hard and try their best.”

For Wilkins and Fitterer, a visit to the Reality Store, coupled with a mission to succeed, can help anyone win in the “game of life.”

Lewis, of Little Rock, Arkansas spent 25 years in the U.S. Navy, before deciding to serve his country in a new way:

From the classroom.

“I’m a financial education teacher, and I love sharing that knowledge with others,” said Lewis. “The journey began when I enrolled in the Troops to Teachers program.”

Established in the 90’s, Troops to Teachers connects service members to K-12 educational opportunities. Shortly after enrolling, Lewis received an offer to teach in the Mississippi Delta. Bordered by the Mississippi River, the area is known for its culture and comfort food…as well as its struggle with poverty.

“It’s a common problem,” said Lewis. “But we’re fixing it.”

Making the Grade:

In 2013, Lewis began teaching at Coahoma County Junior High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi. There, he learned about the Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE). The non  profit organization aims to increase financial literacy in Mississippi by providing opportunities for students and teachers to enhance their money smart skills. It even has an economics competition for students.

“If young people can get financial concepts, then we can change our situation in the Delta,” said Lewis. “We can empower more students to make wise choices when it comes to saving and spending.”

In 2016, Lewis prepped and prepared a team of seventh grade students for the MCEE competition. In the weeks and months leading up to the contest, he helped them understand the purpose of stocks, bonds, saving and investing.

“The lessons really resonated with the students,” Lewis smiled. “In fact, one mother called and asked me what I was teaching her son. She said he came home and wanted to buy stocks. With the help of his grandma, he bought shares for his birthday.”

Return on Investment:

By the time the contest rolled around, Lewis’ team was ready to win…

...and they did.

“It was wonderful, said Lewis. "After all, it’s about applying life lessons. The students succeeded in answering questions about interest rates, national productivity and even current events. This victory has expanded their horizons.”

The student success did not go unnoticed. After returning to the Delta the team received recognition from school leaders, city officials and state legislators. They were also invited to tour the state capital and watch the governor sign the 2017 Proclamation of Financial Literacy Month. On top of it all – each team member was awarded a scholarship for winning the MCEE contest.

“This experience has brought more attention to financial education," said Lewis. “In fact, a baseball player came to me and said he wanted to be like the MCEE competition students. He wanted to take part in the economic contest and, ‘be like those smart kids.’ It’s made teaching a lot easier because they see the value in these lessons.”

The added awareness is now translating into better student grades and new career possibilities. “Teachers like Mr. Lewis are powerful tools against poverty,” said MCEE President Selena Swartzfager. “His commitment to financial literacy and the well-being of his students is making a difference.  Great things are to come because of him.”

So what’s next for this hometown hero turned teacher? Lewis says, he’s right where he belongs.

“I feel strongly the best place to be is an educator in the Delta. We have the greatest students and leaders in the state of Mississippi. The next time you think about the Delta you will not think of poverty and great crops…you will think of its great students.”