Imagine being a teenager who suddenly has to manage a household budget, deal with unexpected bills, and make tough money choices. That’s exactly what hundreds of students experienced this week at the JA Finance Park event in Sioux Falls.
“I had to figure out how to pay for a house, a car, and even childcare with my pretend salary,” says Maria Chen, a sophomore from Washington High School. “It was harder than I thought.”
The JA Finance Park transformed the Sioux Falls Convention Center into a miniature town where students navigate real-life financial decisions. Each student receives a fictional identity with a specific job, salary, and family situation.
JA Finance Park isn’t just a field trip—it’s a crash course in adulting. Students must create budgets, pay bills, and make choices about housing, transportation, and insurance.
“Many teenagers have never thought about how much life actually costs,” explains David Rodriguez, Junior Achievement’s regional director. “When they see that a coffee habit can eat up their monthly budget, it clicks.”
The event comes at a critical time. A recent study shows that only 16% of American teens are required to take a financial literacy course before graduating high school.
Local businesses set up booths where students make purchases and financial decisions. At the housing station, teens choose between renting an apartment or buying a home. The transportation area lets them pick between public transit, used cars, or new vehicles.
“Students often start wanting luxury cars and big houses,” laughs volunteer Margaret Wilson. “By the end, they understand tradeoffs and priorities.”
Eighth-grader Tyler Johnson discovered this firsthand. “I wanted a new truck but had to get a used car instead to afford my apartment rent.”
Teachers praise the program’s hands-on approach. “In class, we talk about budgeting, but here they feel the pressure of balancing wants versus needs,” says economics teacher James Peterson.
The financial literacy program has proven results. Junior Achievement reports that 93% of participants improve their understanding of personal finance after attending.
Local credit unions and banks provide volunteers who guide students through tough decisions. “We’re investing in our community’s future financial health,” says Sarah Thompson from First Dakota Credit Union.
The event also introduces career options. Many students reconsider their job paths after seeing salary differences and required education levels.
“I never thought about how my career choice affects everything else in life,” reflects high school junior Aiden Jackson.
For many teens, JA Finance Park is their first glimpse into financial independence. “We hope they take these lessons home to start money conversations with their families,” Rodriguez adds.
The program will return next spring, aiming to reach 1,000 more students from the region. Schools interested in participating can contact Junior Achievement directly.
As our economy grows more complex, programs like this help ensure young people don’t learn financial lessons the hard way. With rising student debt and complex financial products, early education is key.
“The best part is seeing their confidence grow,” says Wilson. “They walk out knowing they can handle money decisions in their future.”
Financial education might not be the most exciting subject for teenagers. But at JA Finance Park, it becomes an adventure in growing up that students won’t soon forget.
