Over 1,500 High School Students Gain Real-World Financial Skills Through RCU Foundation’s Test Drive

Royal Credit Union Foundation partners with local schools to deliver hands-on financial education, preparing the next generation for smart money management and lifelong success. 

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — This fall, more than 1,500 high school students across Wisconsin and Minnesota took part in Test Drive...Next Stop Reality® (Test Drive) presented by Royal Credit Union Foundation (RCU Foundation). Test Drive is an immersive financial education simulation designed to prepare high school students for what it takes to make it on their own as a 25-year-old.  

During the simulation, students choose their education level and career, are randomly assigned a family status, and calculate their net monthly salary. They are then tasked with managing their budget by paying expenses the average adult is faced with each month, making decisions within each category, with the goal of getting through the month without running out of money. Through their participation, students gain a better understanding of finances and how to prepare for their future. 

Test Drive reality fairs were held in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and in Stillwater and White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Each event is supported by over 100 community volunteers who guide students through stations for each life expense. Participating high schools in Wisconsin included Altoona, Anthony Acres, Bloomer, Eau Claire North, Eau Claire Memorial, Fall Creek, McKinley, Mondovi and Regis. In Minnesota, the Test Drive program was held at Stillwater Area and White Bear Lake Area high schools. 

The RCU Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education, the arts and health in the communities served by Royal Credit Union, is proud to present this interactive financial simulation, helping students gain essential life skills and understand real-world financial decisions. 

“Financial literacy is a cornerstone of lifelong success,” said John Sackett, RCU Foundation president. “Through Test Drive, we’re equipping students with the confidence and skills they need to make informed choices and build a strong financial future.” 

The program’s interactive format allows students to test drive adult responsibilities in a safe, educational setting. By collaborating with educators and community partners, the RCU Foundation ensures that financial education reaches students where it matters most, before they enter the workforce or pursue higher education. 

“There's no substitute for real world experience when it comes to making big financial decisions,” said Justin Berg, personal finance teacher at Memorial High School. “Test Drive gives students a chance to practice before they get into real life and to understand some of the ramifications behind the big decisions they're making." 

By investing in programs like Test Drive, the RCU Foundation reinforces its commitment to building stronger communities through financial education. The program is presented in partnership with sponsoring organizations. To learn more about Test Drive visit rcu.org/TestDrive. For information about the RCU Foundation, visit rcu.org/Foundation. 

About RCU Foundation  

The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.  The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. Currently, it has awarded more than $12 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.  

About Royal Credit Union  

Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 300,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.