Students at nine Lehigh Valley high schools attend a Reality Fair at DeSales University April 20 presented by the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Credit Unions.

The Reality Fair gives students a look into their future after schooling and the logistics of salary, expenses and savings.

Credit unions participating in the event were APCI Federal Credit Union (Air Products), Bethlehem 1st Federal Credit Union, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union, Northampton Area School District Employees Credit Union, People First Federal Credit Union and PPL Gold Credit Union.

Participating school districts included Salisbury High School, Whitehall High School, Bethlehem Catholic High School, Northampton High School, Dieruff High School, William Allen High School, Liberty High School, Parkland High School and Lehigh Valley Charter School of the Arts.

Prior to the event, each student decided on a profession from a list provided to the teacher. A salary was then assigned, along with any student loans from their college education. Each student received a budget worksheet on the day of the event. Students then visited various tables where they were able to purchase and budget for auto/transportation, insurance, part-time jobs, housing, pets, food, entertainment, cable, salon visits and more.

Depending on their choices, expenses were added to their worksheets as well as income if applicable.

Each student was also able to visit the “Wheel of Reality” which provided a real life scenario which either increased their expenses (car repairs, sick pet to the vet, stolen credit card) or increased their income by winning money.

The goal was for the student to visit with a financial counselor with a well-managed budget worksheet.

Each student was given handouts to take home to further assist the students in their future financial needs.

Students were also given a tour of the DeSales University campus and provided lunch before their trip back to school.

Sponsors for the event included Universal Real Estate Services, Allied, Liberty Mutual, Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba, Enterprise, DeSales University, PA Credit Union Foundation, CUNA Mutual and CU Direct.