PEP to host Reality Fair and Awards Ceremony

The Partner - Engage - Prepare (PEP) program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana will host a Reality Fair for the 120 students who are part of the PEP program on Tuesday, April 26, from 8:15-12:15 p.m. the University Center. Following the Reality Fair, PEP will have its annual awards program at 12:30 p.m. in Eagle Hall.

During the morning event, the students will transition between several 30-minute lecture sessions learning about smart borrowing, insurance, investing, budgeting and the Reality Fair. As the students go through the Reality Fair, they have the opportunity to gain helpful knowledge and skills that will empower them to take greater control of their personal finances.

“Many of these students think they will be living in the nicest home and driving the nicest vehicles; however, that is what they aspire for, but not necessarily reality of where it all begins,” says Kimberly Bursey, director of PEP. “The Reality Fair is a true reality check for these students. They need to understand and be taught the importance of prioritizing expenses and realize that they can’t go out and buy a car first. They need to realize they must evaluate their wants vs. needs above all.”

The PEP program’s mission is to partner with area high schools to identify sophomores, juniors and seniors and encourage them through an engagement and college preparation program to ensure their successful transition to an institution of higher education.

It is based on the Kids at Hope basic principle that all children are capable of success - no exceptions. In order to achieve this success, children must have meaningful and sustainable relationships with caring adults and must be able to articulate a vision for their future.