Bringing Real-World Financial Decisions to Life
For students in the Sun Prairie Area School District near Madison, Wisconsin, financial literacy goes beyond the classroom. Through Reality Rocks, an interactive simulation, students navigate real-life financial decisions in a safe, supportive environment.
During the event, participants receive a career, income, and personal scenario, then build a monthly budget by visiting stations that represent essential expenses such as housing, transportation, insurance, utilities, and groceries.
Coordinated by the Sun Prairie Business and Education Partnership (BEP), the program brings together educators and community volunteers — including Nelnet associates — to help students think critically about spending, saving, and prioritizing.
A Community Effort That Makes Learning Stick
Reality Rocks is powered by collaboration. Volunteers from across the community — including financial institutions, utility companies, nonprofits, and businesses — guide students through each station, offering insight into real-world costs and choices.
“There must have been 100 volunteers or more, from all over — utilities, banks, and more,” says Lisa Marquardt, Marketing Manager – Customer Engagement at Nelnet.
It’s a whole community effort.
Marketing Manager – Customer Engagement
That collective support creates a more realistic and meaningful experience — one where students can ask questions, test decisions, and adjust their plans as they go.
Real Choices, Real Consequences
What sets Reality Rocks apart is its hands-on approach. Students must make trade-offs, often balancing wants with needs while staying within a fixed budget.
The simulation evolves each year to reflect real-world conditions, from changes in housing costs to transportation options and everyday expenses.
For Lisa, the experience closely connects to her day-to-day work.
“I think it aligns well with what we do here at Nelnet … helping people understand complex financial situations and making them manageable,” she says. “It teaches kids the value of understanding how money works and puts their skills to the test in a safe, simulated environment.”
Throughout the day, volunteers see a range of reactions — from excitement to surprise — as students begin to understand the complexities of adult life.
“There were several students who didn’t quite understand why they needed natural gas,” says Lauri Morehart, a volunteer from a local utility company. “It provided a good opportunity to talk about gas, electric, and water — and how utilities are critical to running a home.”
Moments That Shift Perspectives
For many students, Reality Rocks becomes a turning point in how they think about money and responsibility.
Volunteers often hear reflections that stay with students long after the event ends. When asked about takeaways, students often point to two realizations: that adulthood is more challenging than they expected, and that they have a newfound appreciation for their families and caregivers.
Educators see these moments, too.
“As a classroom teacher of this event, I love watching students participate, process everything, and then reflect on the connections they’re able to make regarding their own lives and futures,” says Jennifer Josheff, an economics teacher in the district. “One of the best quotes of all time was, ‘Now I know that when my parents say we don’t have any money for something, we really don’t have the money.’”
Even lighter moments reflect deeper truths. Volunteer Seth Degnan of Kicks Unlimited was working the charitable donations station and recalls one interaction: “A student said, ‘I’m working three jobs — I was hoping they would make a donation to me.’”
Expanding Awareness of Available Support
Beyond budgeting, the simulation also introduces students to community resources.
At the social services station, students learn about organizations like Sunshine Place, which offers food access, housing support, and other essential services.
“It was eye-opening for students to learn that there are more resources available than they realized,” Lisa says. “Many didn’t know these services existed.”
These interactions help students understand that financial challenges are part of life — and that support systems are available when they need them.
Preparing Students for the Future
Since launching in 2008, Reality Rocks has continued to grow, reaching hundreds of students each year across the district and evolving to meet changing needs.
The program is designed not just to teach financial concepts, but to build confidence, decision-making skills, and awareness of real-world responsibilities.
“We hope they gain an understanding of the importance of making priority decisions and doing some planning for their lives,” says Betsy Butler, secretary of the Sun Prairie BEP. “An added benefit is that they are meeting people in the community who can be resources and mentors as they become adults.”
Stronger Communities, Together
Programs like Reality Rocks highlight the impact of partnership.
By bringing together schools, nonprofits, and businesses, the event creates meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond a single day. With a strong presence in the Madison area, Nelnet associates are proud to support efforts like this — living out the company’s commitment to giving back where we live and work while helping students feel more prepared, more informed, and more confident about their futures.
Be Part of Something Bigger
At Nelnet, giving back is part of how we live our purpose. If you’re passionate about strengthening communities and helping others succeed, explore career opportunities and learn more about #LifeAtNelnet.
