Volunteer Arlington Day, sponsored by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, provided an opportunity for VCE staff and Master Financial Education Volunteers to partner with staff from the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC-Crystal City to provide a KIDS’ MARKETPLACE simulation at Randolph Elementary School.

On April 23rd 109 fourth and fifth graders at Randolph Elementary School in Arlington experienced this interactive program which introduces financial concepts in age-appropriate terms while having fun. The more than 20 volunteers staffed stations like Housing, Groceries, Sharing, Saving, and Animal Shelter and helped students make spending decisions based on the hypothetical jobs they were given.

This was great exposure for VCE to the corporate volunteers, many of whom were not previously aware of the many services we provide. Volunteers all requested to be asked to participate in future programs.