Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills a student can learn, and you can be a part of that journey! Indian Trails Middle School in Winter Springs is hosting the “Living on My Own” event on April 23-24, 2025, and they are looking for community volunteers to help 8th-grade students navigate real-world financial decisions.
This interactive program, created by UF/IFAS Extension, provides students with a hands-on experience of budgeting, managing expenses, and making financial choices similar to those adults face every day.
What is “Living on My Own”?
During this real-life simulation, students take on the role of a 25-year-old with a career, income, and family responsibilities. Using checks and debit cards, they must make important decisions about housing, transportation, groceries, insurance, and more—all while staying within budget.
They will visit 10 stations representing essential life expenses:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Banking Services
- Groceries
- Utilities
- Entertainment
- Insurance
- Childcare
- Clothing, electronics, health, and grooming
- Charity & Retirement/Savings
To add a twist, some students will also draw “Life Happens” cards, which throw in unexpected financial challenges—like car repairs or medical bills—to teach them how to plan for the unexpected.
How You Can Help
As a volunteer, you will be assigned to a station to guide students through their decisions. Each station represents a real-life business, and having them staffed by community members makes the experience even more impactful.
No experience necessary!
All materials and instructions will be provided, along with a brief training session on the day of the event. (You must be a registered Seminole County School Board Dividend to participate.)
This is a fantastic opportunity to mentor students, share real-world financial wisdom, and make a difference in their future decision-making. We hope to see you there!
Learn more about volunteering with Seminole County Public Schools:
Event Details:
📍 Indian Trails Middle School, Winter Springs, FL
📆 April 23-24, 2025
⏰ Times will be shared upon volunteer registration
Let’s work together to set our students up for financial success!
📍 Stay Connected
Stay tuned for more updates as this project moves forward!
