The Real World is a structured event in which the sophomores assume the role of twenty-five year old college graduates who are about to begin their first jobs. Prior to the event, students select careers that are of interest. Career and Technical Education team members then prepare folders that contain the average monthly salary for these careers with taxes deducted. In the orientation room, students are given back this information and also instructed on writing checks and keeping a checkbook ledger.

After leaving the orientation session, they move to the gym where a variety of community business people discuss the realities of being financially independent and making sound financial decisions. The first stop is the bank and over the years, PHS has received continued support from Speer Bank and the Princeville State Bank. Both banks have sent staff members who help students “open checking accounts” and review the procedures for writing checks. Students then move to the transportation table, which was staffed by a Princeville State Bank loan officer. At the transportation table they choose between several vehicles, writing a check for a monthly car payment and gas.

They select housing with the help of Betty Menold from Traders and Pat Stahl from ReMax. Insurance costs are based on their transportation and housing decisions. Lauri House and Lynn Feucht from Tom Kelley Insurance supported the insurance table. Jean Freeburn and Penny DuBois from P.E.R.F.E.C.T. manned the Utilities table. Jeri Remmert from Village Foods in Princeville sat at the groceries table. She brought in an assortment of name-brand and store-brand foods and then gave the students the opportunity to taste and compare them. Dressbarn at Shoppes at Grand Prairie sent staff to sit at the clothing table.