March 10, 2026
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Last week, more than 120 juniors from Abbotsford High School and Colby High School participated in Test Drive ... Next Stop Reality® (Test Drive), a hands-on financial education event presented by the Royal Credit Union Foundation (RCU Foundation).
Supported by over 50 community volunteers, the annual event marked its third year in the Abbotsford and Colby communities. 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 then manage a budget by paying common monthly expenses and making financial decisions within each category, with the goal of making it through the month without running out of money. Through the experience, students gain a better understanding of personal finances and how to prepare for their future.
The RCU Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education, the arts and health in the communities served by Royal Credit Union, presents the interactive financial simulation to help students build essential life skills and understand real-world financial decisions.
“Financial education plays a critical role in helping students prepare for life after high school,” said John Sackett, President of the RCU Foundation. “Test Drive gives students the opportunity to apply financial concepts in a realistic setting, helping them better understand the responsibilities and decisions they will face as adults.”
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 aims to reach students at a pivotal time, before they enter the workforce or pursue higher education.
“This is such a great opportunity for our students to experience a real world ‘adulting’ simulation,” said Nichole Homeyer, Colby High School business education teacher. “The questions, discussions, and ‘aha’ moments that come out of this event each year make it something truly beneficial for our students and our community.”
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, 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 330,000 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.
