Unitil, (www.unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, participated with local businesses in Gardner High School’s Reality Fair.
Approximately 120 high school seniors joined together in a half-day event designed to provide financial insights into living costs and money management. “We are glad that we could be a part of this important event that is preparing young people for the future,” Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara said.
According to Unitil’s John DiNapoli, municipal and community services manager who helped the students develop annual budgets at the fair, it was a great learning opportunity because most of the students had never created a personal budget.
The seniors selected a career, such as a doctor, lawyer or welder, and were given the annual average salary for the field. They then had to secure housing, utility, car, food and other living expenses, based on a variety of factors, from affordable to more expensive options. “Over a third of the students had to go see a credit councilor because their income did not cover their annual living expenses, so it was very educational,” DiNapoli said.
The event was sponsored by the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce and GFA Federal Credit Union and included dozens of participating local businesses, including Unitil.
