The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce “Keeping It Real” program, co-sponsored by Legacy Community Federal Credit Union and The UPS Store – has been traveling across all of Shelby County to encourage high school students to think about financial responsibilities and the importance of an education. This program is a part of the Chamber’s ShelbyOne initiative to help better Shelby County’s workforce development. Through this collaborative effort the Chamber is bringing business and education partners together.
The “Keeping It Real” Program will provide approximately 2,400 Shelby County students with a “real life” scenario, including employment income, education level and family situation. Each student then uses their randomly selected monthly salary and visits 12 booths consisting of transportation, housing, insurance, utilities, child care, groceries, education, etc. At each booth the student has to make the best choice for their situation as to what they can afford in those areas.
Students could be heard saying “I can’t afford child care!” or “Insurance is expensive!” The Chamber hopes this program will encourage students to finish high school and also consider some level of post-secondary learning – whether it be two-year or four-year school. One student commented, “This program taught me how to be able to balance what I need with what I want.” While another student stated, “My future education is an important factor in how much money I will be making.”
