MCYP Hosts Reality Fair

Canton Ninth Grade Academy and Canton High School students recently gained a valuable lesson in budgeting and financial responsibility. They got a reality check when they got to see just how much life's unexpected incidentals might cost along with paying for their basic needs to survive. Could they afford those luxury items they think they can't live without? They found out at the Reality Fair. Canton Public Schoool District (CPSD) extended a thanks to Madison County Business League and Foundation, the Madison County Young Professionals, and all of the participating vendors for providing a healthy dose of reality to scholars.

Recognizing the importance of a well-educated and skilled workforce in the attraction of economic development in Madison County, the MCYP Committee, chose financial literacy as their philanthropy. This Reality fair tests the students’ skills in money management. Teachers assign occupations and monthly salaries for each student. The students visit 14 stations including housing, transportation, utilities, food, health insurance, clothing, communications, credit union, among others. The objective is to have enough money to pay for their expenses which will afford them the lifestyles they desire.