Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce: HomeTown Credit Union to Host HomeTown Hustle at Faribault High
Financial literacy is a cornerstone of a thriving community, and local partners are teaming up to ensure Faribault students are ready for the “real world”. On May 11, HomeTown Credit Union will partner with Faribault Public Schools and local business volunteers to host HomeTown Hustle, an interactive financial simulation for high school business students.
How it Works During the event, students are assigned fictional profiles—complete with careers, salaries, and family obligations—and tasked with building a monthly budget. To make it real, they must visit “merchants” (staffed by local volunteers) to make decisions on housing, childcare, transportation, and groceries, all while managing “life happens” moments and unexpected expenses.
Why It Matters The simulation addresses critical gaps in financial understanding. Current research indicates:
- 40% of teens worry they won’t have enough money for future needs.
- 80% of teens do not fully understand credit scores.
- 43% of teens believe an 18% interest rate on debt is manageable.
“With HomeTown Hustle, we’re giving students a safe, engaging way to explore the realities of managing money before these lessons carry real-world consequences,” says Melissa Kuhl, Community Engagement Coordinator for HomeTown Credit Union.
The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to see our members investing in the financial success of our future workforce.