With the help of volunteers, ninth-grade students at Sequoia Pathway Academy will get a peek into what it’s like to work in the real world Thursday through a 4-H program teaching them resume writing, interviewing and dress for success techniques, financial management and different careers.

The program was developed in conjunction with University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Volunteers are still welcomed.

Becca Colvin, who works in 4-H youth development, said, “The more volunteers, the easier it is for students to get through the simulation. They have more time to make it around the tables.”

Cheerful and friendly volunteers who understand living on a budget are needed as well as those who will “make kids realize that it’s important to learn how to live within their means,” she said.

During the Launch Into Life educational program students will write their own resumes and participate in a mock job interview. Students will select an occupation from one of four bags, each bag representing a different degree of education.

After a job description and salary amount is assigned, students will calculate their monthly budget subtracting all taxes and “paying themselves first” with 10 percent going into a savings account.

Students will stop by volunteer-manned tables for items everyone needs to pay for when they live on their own, such as housing, transportation, insurance, utilities, grocery bills, entertainment expenses and more.

A “chance”  table will provide opportunity for both financial gain and loss, for example wining the lottery or getting a flat tire.

Students will receive a life-skills evaluation scoring them on decision-making, communication skills, self confidence, financial understanding and trust.

“Everyone has a gift; everyone has something to share. And we can always find a place for them,” she said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Colvin at bcolvin@cals.arizona.edu.