HARRISBURG, Penn.–– More than 200 students at the Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, received real-life, hands-on financial management and personal budgeting experience during a Financial Reality Fair. Sponsored by PSECU, the free financial education event was held at the campus in conjunction with the College’s Student Development and Multicultural Programs Department and Career Services.
“This was the fifth Financial Reality Fair that PSECU has coordinated on college campuses throughout the commonwealth, and I’m pleased to announce the enthusiastic reception they continue to receive from students,” said PSECU President Greg Smith. “Our longstanding commitment to financial education connects us to our roots as a not-for-profit organization built to help improve the lives of our members and strengthen our communities. Financial education, like that provided at the Financial Reality Fair, empowers individuals to make the right choices to be financially secure now and in the future.”
With the help of nearly 30 volunteers from HACC, the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association, PSECU, and community organizations, the Financial Reality Fair was designed to be a highly interactive experience for student participants. While walk-ins were welcome, students who pre-registered for the event received a personalized budgeting worksheet based on their field of study and intended level of education. Students then visited a series of booths to learn about and make choices pertaining to living expenses from entertainment to insurance. To end the activity with a balanced budget, students were encouraged to revisit each booth as many times as needed.
“For students to realize their full potential after graduation, it is important that they have a solid understanding of the financial environment they’ll be entering,” said Barb Bowker, PSECU Vice President of Marketing and Membership Development. “We at PSECU are proud to have the opportunity to sponsor the Financial Reality Fair and help impart that education to Pennsylvania’s students.”
A total of 212 HACC students took part in the Financial Reality Fair. Of those participants, 160 were surveyed about their experience. They were asked questions about skills they acquired, thoroughness and clarity of information provided, and likelihood of event recommendation to peers. The survey results were overwhelmingly positive with each question receiving an average score of 4.6 or higher out of a maximum score of 5.
At the end of the event, each student was also provided with a giveaway toolkit of resources and financial education materials to help them as they continue working toward financial success.