Capital Region Women’s Network (CRWN) partnered with Girls Inc. to offer the Reality Store program on September 29, 2015 at the Girls Inc. Schenectady location, with 14 youth participating. Girls Inc. runs a vibrant after school program for Schenectady area youth that draws from Schenectady and the surrounding communities. Members of Capital Region Women’s Network worked with Diana Suits, the Program Director to tailor the program to an audience of 6th and 7th graders. This age group presented a challenge to club members requiring some modifications to ensure the game experience would be appropriate for 12-13 year age range.

Members of Capital Region Women’s Network developed a listing of 20 careers with “real world” salary projections. Careers were randomly assigned, leaving the girls an opportunity to focus on the management of their salary during the course of the simulation event. Students had to allocate a month’s salary among typical expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and clothing. At each station a CRWN volunteer explained the various options available and offered advice about how to budget wisely. The students eagerly embraced the challenge and asked great questions throughout the evening. At least once during the course of the 2 hour program each participant was required to visit the LIFE’S CHANCES station and draw a slip describing an unexpected event.

CRWN Member participation and feedback was terrific, reported Eileen Howe Bird, event facilitator. Our volunteers were well-prepared and held quality conversations with the teenagers at each station. We started the planning process early in 2015 to ensure attention to key details. “We are fortunate to have many complimentary skills represented amongst club members and it showed”. Diana Suits, Program Director was so impressed with the student feedback that she has asked CRWN to offer the program at Girls Inc. Albany location in the spring of 2016. The program is set for April 6th.