Amanda Hosier of Bainbridge-Guilford Central School discusses the budgeting experience with a group of students who attended the event at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus in Sidney Center. (Submitted Photo)


NORWICH – This week, the DCMO BOCES Enrichment Education Program partnered with Sidney Federal Credit Union to deliver a hands-on financial learning experience for students. The SFCU “Real World Money Edition” event was a budgeting workshop, ingeniously presented as a life simulation game. The event was held at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus in Sidney Center on June 5 and at the Pole Campus in Norwich on June 6, and was attended by both DCMO BOCES students and students from other area schools.

Students, guided by volunteers at designated revenue or expense tables, could construct a budget using real-life circumstances that impact a budget, such as salaries, student loans, and family expenses. “The students moved from one table to the next, gaining insights into the impact of everyday expenses and opportunities to generate revenues to balance their simulated budgets. Their reactions were truly priceless!” shared Martha Ryan, DCMO BOCES Enrichment Coordinator.

SFCU staff and industry representatives from Delhi Telephone Company, Curly Wealth Management, and SUNY Oneonta manned the different tables at the Harrold Campus location, helping students make smart choices while visiting the different stations. In Norwich, the SFCU staff were joined by representatives from SUNY Oneonta, Curly Wealth Management, and Keller Williams Group.

“We have a great relationship with DCMO BOCES and are proud to partner with them to bring these valuable life lessons to students in our region,” said James Reynolds, President and CEO of SFCU. “Managing a budget, saving for a rainy day, and dealing with unexpected expenses are skills that will serve these students as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives.”

Besides students from various DCMO BOCES programs, students from nine area school districts participated in the financial education experience, including Afton CSD, Bainbridge-Guilford CSD, Franklin CSD, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton CSD, Otselic Valley CSD, Unadilla Valley CSDE, Unatego CSD, and Walton CSD.

– Information from BOCES