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Youth Educational Programs
Bronco has always been a firm believer in providing financial education to young people. Why? So they have the tools they need to be wise money managers as adults. One way we do that is by actually going to local schools to provide instruction. Another way is through our Bronco Reality Fair Program.
During Bronco Reality Fairs, participating high school students are asked to imagine that they are in their mid 20s. They are then randomly assigned jobs, salaries and children, and are given the option to choose whether they want to be married or single.
The students are then directed to an area filled with a variety of booths that represent real-world situations they will likely encounter as adults—such as the costs associated with owning a home, child care, buying and maintaining a vehicle, paying for bills, insurance, etc. They can also visit “luxury item” booths where they can plan for a vacation, get a pet, get their nails done, etc.
Students are allowed to visit as many booths as they like and in any order, but only after they have visited a booth that teaches them about taxes and how much the government will take from their assigned "salaries."
After visiting all the required booths, if students find they are low on “money,” they can visit a Supplemental Income booth to get a part-time job. They can also visit the "SOS" booth where they will receive advice on ways to save money or generate additional funds by selling things they had “purchased” previously—like their car or home.
Students who have a surplus of money toward the end of the exercise are given the opportunity to donate to charities. This reinforces the idea of sharing and giving back to those who are less fortunate.
If you would like to have a speaker come to your school or youth organization, or if you would like to host a Bronco Reality Fair, please contact our Marketing Department 757.569.3719 or Ann.Crusenberry@broncofcu.com. We're also always looking for volunteers to operate booths at Reality Fairs; if you or your organization would like to get involved, please contact us.