(07/02/2025) Each year, Anoka-Hennepin’s Compass Program hosts a financial literacy simulation where students gain hands-on experience learning about personal finance management.

Middle school students enrolled in the AVID program participated in the simulation at the Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) campus on April 24. Students also had the opportunity to tour the STEP campus and learn more about the program. View photos from the event.

The AVID program is a structured, college preparatory program that provides direct support for first-generation college students in grades four through 12. AVID's systemic approach is designed to support students and educators as they improve schoolwide and districtwide learning and performance.

The simulation, called Mad City Money, gives students a new identity for the day, including details about their job, family size, income, and debt. Students visit nine stations to purchase real-life necessities—from homes and transportation to food, clothing, home items, and even discretionary spending like luxury cars, vacations, or entertainment.

The most important task students faced was building a budget based on their income and debt. They set up savings accounts and deposited funds for emergencies and future savings, aiming to have up to $100 in their account after buying all necessary supplies.

Each of the nine stations was staffed by volunteers who helped make the experience engaging while teaching students about real-life financial situations, helping them better understand decision-making and responsibility.