Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) continued its commitment to real-world readiness this April as 11th grade Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) students from Eastern View High School (EVHS) and Culpeper County High School (CCHS) participated in two signature Career and Technical Education experiences: Mock Interviews and the Reality Store.
Spring Mock Interviews were held on April 17 and 20 at EVHS and CCHS, respectively. Sponsored by Culpeper Economic Development through Career Partners, Inc., the program provides students with a simulated hiring experience designed to strengthen job readiness skills. Local business and community volunteers conducted interviews, giving students the opportunity to practice professional communication and receive immediate, individualized feedback.
Preparation for Mock Interviews begins well before the event. Students develop resumes and complete job applications tailored to hypothetical positions of their choosing. On interview day, volunteers review these materials and conduct formal interviews, followed by constructive feedback on both written documents and interview performance. For many students, this represents their first interview experience; for others, it is an opportunity to refine existing skills. In all cases, the experience builds confidence and provides practical insight into the hiring process.
Following the Mock Interviews, students from both high schools came together at the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) on Thursday, April 23 to participate in the Reality Store, an interactive financial simulation focused on budgeting and decision-making.
In the Reality Store, students are assigned careers, salaries, and family scenarios, then navigate a series of stations representing common monthly expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, childcare, and entertainment. As they make financial decisions, students must balance needs and wants while staying within their budget. The experience also includes the “wheel of life,” introducing unexpected financial events that require students to adapt in real time. Options like credit cards or supplemental income opportunities further simulate real-world financial pressures.
Together, these two experiences provide a comprehensive approach to career and life readiness, combining professional skill development with financial literacy. Both are integral components of the EPF course, a graduation requirement designed to prepare students for success beyond high school.
Career and Technical Education Director Randi Richards-Lutz emphasized the value of these opportunities. “Mock Interviews and the Reality Store extend learning beyond the classroom by giving students hands-on, practical experiences,” she said. “Whether they are preparing for a job interview or managing a monthly budget, our students are developing skills that will serve them throughout their lives. We are incredibly grateful to our community partners and volunteers who make these meaningful experiences possible.”
By engaging students in authentic, real-world scenarios, CCPS continues to equip graduates with the confidence, knowledge, and adaptability needed for both career success and responsible adulthood.