CURRITUCK COUNTY — The Northeastern Workforce Development Board’s NextGen Youth program hosted its 8th annual Real World simulation on October 8, 2025, at N.C. Cooperative Extension Center in Currituck County.
The program welcomed 108 teenagers and young adults as well as over 50 volunteers and 24 chaperones.
Attendees came from 15 schools and other youth organizations from several counties including Chowan, Currituck, Tyrrell, Hyde, Pasquotank, Washington, and Dare.
Each youth participant received a simulated monthly salary based on their education and career goals. They also had additional items to contend with, such as whether they were married, the number of children they had and whether they had a student loan.
Then they engaged in a simulation where they were required to navigate Real World booths that represent various expenses they will encounter in the “real world.” They were asked to choose their housing, pay their student loans, review childcare options and costs, plan out and pay for their transportation, and much more.
They also receive Life Happens! cards and, in some instances, traffic tickets, in order to experience what it feels like to have to adjust a budget to deal with unexpected expenses.
Several members of the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office volunteered to hand out “tickets.” Those who received “tickets” went to “Traffic Court” to plead their case for why their ticket should be reduced.
Attendees also attended workshops on banking facilitated by volunteers from First National Bank and a workshop on insurance facilitated by a volunteer from State Employees Credit Union.
It was a really fun day and a great learning experience for everyone. There were a lot of great conversations going on between the youth in attendance and their chaperones. Many of them had serious realizations about the costs associated with various aspects of life. A few of them were really shocked at expenses associated with having children.
“I think the overall goal of facilitating a lot of hands-on learning experiences related to budgeting and managing finances was accomplished,” said Amanda Hurdle, NCWorks NEXTGEN Program Manager. “It seemed like many of the youth were really considering if their intended careers would afford them the lifestyles they planned to have.”
There were discussions of splitting costs with roommates, whether a family member would be available to provide more affordable childcare for their (randomly assigned for this event) children, and the challenges that come with making adjustments when life gives you an expensive surprise.
The group wrapped up the day by reflecting on their experiences and the lessons they learned, and drawing for some prizes donated by many generous sponsors.
