04/14/2026
💼💰 Real World Experience: Freshmen Step Into Adult Life! 💰💼
Our freshmen recently participated in an eye-opening Real World Experience, where they got a firsthand look at what life after high school can really look like!
Each student was assigned a career and corresponding average salary, then challenged to budget and make real-life financial decisions. With the help of community partners, students received checks and learned how to manage a check register from Hearthside Bank and Community Trust Bank.
Students then had to make big decisions, like whether to rent or buy a home, with guidance from Middlesboro Housing Authority and Bisceglia Realty.
Transportation was next, as Justin Mayes helped students determine what type of vehicle fit within their budget and insurance needs. Appalachian Regional Healthcare also provided valuable insight into healthcare costs and medical bills, giving students a realistic look at another major life expense.
To round out the experience, Food City helped students plan and purchase groceries, bringing their budgets full circle!
This impactful program has been a tradition for years thanks to Youth Service Center Coordinator Joy Williams, and we are proud that GEAR UP was able to partner with her this year to continue making a difference for our students.
This hands-on experience gave our students a deeper understanding of financial responsibility and the real costs of adulthood. A huge thank you to our amazing community partners for helping prepare our students for success beyond the classroom!
