DHS hosted its first Credit For Life Fair, giving students a hands-on opportunity to experience real-world financial management. 

The event turned the DHS gymnasium into a simulation of adult life, complete with stations for essential expenses like housing, groceries, transportation, banking, and more.

The experience began with each student being assigned a specific career, along with a monthly income and the amount of student debt they owe. Some students took on higher-paying roles, while others had to budget more carefully with lower salaries. 

Students then rotated through different stations, making decisions about how to spend their money. At the real estate station, they chose between apartments or houses based on their budget. At the grocery station, they had to plan meals and manage food costs. The banking station introduced concepts like savings and car loans, while other stations covered transportation, insurance, and everyday expenses.

Many students quickly realized that their income didn’t stretch as far as they expected. Choices had to be made, whether to spend more on comfortable housing or save money for other needs. Some even had to go back and adjust their decisions after running out of money. 

The staff kept the students engaged by entering them in different raffles along the way.

Overall, the fair was educational, teaching important lessons about budgeting, financial responsibility, and the challenges of adulthood in a way that a classroom lesson alone cannot. Several students even expressed a desire for this program to be offered as a course at Dedham High! 

"The biggest highlight for me from the Credit for Life Fair was student engagement," said Ashley Mansfield, DHS' Career Counselor. "A few of the participants went out of their way to compliment our students. They mentioned their enthusiasm, eye contact, and engagement. I was really proud of our students and hope that they took something away from this event."