Date: May 2, 2012
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC & Portage Chamber Sponsor Reality Stores

Westville –Purdue University North Central and the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Reality Stores for Portage eighth graders on Thursday, May 10 at Fegely Middle School and Thursday, May 17 at Willowcreek Middle School.

The Reality Stores will serve more than 650 students in Portage and will utilize more than 80 community volunteers. The concept of Reality Store was developed by the Indiana Women's Education Foundation, Inc.

Participating students will have the opportunity to envision the lifestyle they'd like to have in their mid 20's. They'll be able to select an occupation and become familiar with the Discover Career Program offered at Purdue North Central.

The young people will also receive a checking account deposit equal to one month's salary from their desired job and they'll be able to “spend” their salary at the Reality Store, first purchasing necessities and then their extras. These activities are intended to help the students learn whether their selected occupation will provide the financial resources needed to provide f the lifestyle they want and aid them in learning to plan and budget.