Students at nine Lehigh Valley high schools attended DeSales University’s Reality Fair April 20.

Presented by 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 Northampton Area School District Employees Credit Union, APCI Federal Credit Union (Air Products), Bethlehem 1st Federal Credit Union, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union, People First Federal Credit Union and PPL Gold Credit Union.

Participating school districts included Northampton Area High School, Whitehall High School, Salisbury High School, Bethlehem Catholic 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 then was 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 also was able to visit the “Wheel of Reality,” which provided a real-life scenario that 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 in their future financial needs.

Students also were 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 Solutions, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba, Enterprise, DeSales University, PA Credit Union Foundation, CUNA Mutual and CU Direct.