On April 1, a group of Host employees spent the day at Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s JA Finance Park in Montgomery County—a hands-on, “mock city” designed to teach students the fundamentals of personal finance through real-life simulations.

Joined by two parent volunteers, the group guided 53 seventh grade students from Forest Oak Middle School through a digital experience that assigned each participant an adult persona—complete with a career, salary, credit score, debt level, family scenario and financial responsibilities.

After getting to know their new identities, students explored JA Finance Park’s various storefronts—designed to mimic real-world businesses—to research everyday expenses like a mortgage, car, clothes, groceries and insurance. With these figures in mind, they set about creating realistic budgets and making thoughtful spending choices.

Many students quickly discovered how challenging it can be to balance wants and needs. A few early splurges on entertainment and travel left some without enough funds for necessities like rent or food! With the support of volunteers, students revisited their budgets, reevaluated their priorities, and gained a clearer understanding of responsible financial decision-making.

At the end of the exercise, students reflected on what they had learned and shared their appreciation by presenting hand-signed thank you cards to the volunteers.

Learn more about Host’s Corporate Responsibility program, including our Corporate Citizenship program.