The Real Life Academy is an interactive, hands-on, authentic
experience for area high students to learn about money management.
In the fall and spring of every year, over 250 students from
Altoona, Memorial, North and Regis high schools have researched and
selected their careers, participated in classroom lessons on
financial management, and are ready to put their financial skills to
the test. Each student enters The Real Life Academy with the
profession they aspire to be at ten years after graduation, along
with a family status and a paycheck with one month’s salary. Eau
Claire Chamber of Commerce member business volunteers and school
faculty and administrators will be ready to assist them in
purchasing life’s necessities – housing, transportation, groceries,
and more as they visit over 30 stations and make purchasing
decisions.
Realizing that financial literacy is a crucial component to having
an educated workforce in the community, the Eau Claire Chamber
brought forward the idea of The Real Life Academy to area high
schools. If the future workforce is equipped with the knowledge of
how to handle their money, the community has the potential of
becoming financially stronger.
For more information on the Real Life Academy, please contact Katy Kiley, Special Projects Director at the Chamber.
Testimonials from students that have participated are as follows:
My experience at the Real Life Academy was a very helpful guide for
life after high school and college. I learned that if you budget
items like the house and new car, you are able to have full
insurance, vacations, and still have money left for a rainy day. I
had a great time and look forward to going again.
Jared Weinfurtner
North High School
The Real Life Academy made me realize how much life really costs. It
is a good eye opening experience and shows you what a degree and a
good job will do for you. The experience should be continued in the
future because it is very rewarding and fun!
Samantha Buchholz
North High School
I really enjoyed the Real Life Academy because it helped
you realize how life really is and where all the money goes. Just the little
things, such as an oil change and one night out to eat can cost so much. It was
very helpful to me and made me give my parents a little more credit for what
they do!
Brentan Miller
North High School
The Real Life Academy is sponsored by several businesses with
Associated Bank as the Major Sponsor.
