UMassFive, Greenfield Community College, and MassHire Franklin Hampshire will host two Reality Fair events for high school students from across Franklin and Hampshire counties on March 18 and 19, 2026, at Greenfield Community College.
Approximately 400 students from 12 area high schools will participate in the interactive financial simulation designed to help young people understand the real-world financial decisions they will face as adults.
Originally developed by credit unions as a financial education program, a Reality Fair asks students to imagine themselves at age 25. Each participant selects a career and is assigned a corresponding starting salary. Students then move through a series of stations where they must make real-life budgeting choices about housing, transportation, food, clothing, and other everyday expenses. After completing the exercise, students meet with volunteer financial counselors from UMassFive to review their spending decisions and discuss strategies for balancing their budget.
Beyond financial decision making, the event also introduces students to local resources that support career and educational pathways. During the program, students will tour the campus of Greenfield Community College to learn about educational opportunities available through community college and connect with career exploration resources available through MassHire Franklin Hampshire. The event will also be supported by volunteers from local businesses and community organizations who will staff the stations and help guide students through the simulation.
Students from Amherst Regional, Athol High, Easthampton High, Hopkins Academy, Pioneer Valley Regional, Smith Academy, and South Hadley High will attend the March 18 event. Students from Four Rivers Charter Public School, Granby High, Greenfield High, Mahar Regional, and Turners Falls High will attend on March 19.
