Students in Mrs. McDermott and Mrs. Cannetti’s Business classes at Sachem East High School took their learning beyond the classroom this week with a hands-on budgeting experience at Smith Haven Mall.

During the trip, students were challenged to build a budget by locating items on sale, comparing prices, and making smart purchasing decisions, mirroring real-world financial planning. 

The activity reinforced key concepts, including prioritizing needs, stretching a dollar, and understanding how discounts and sales affect overall spending.

In addition to budgeting, students explored career pathways by identifying businesses throughout the mall that could offer long-term job opportunities. 

By connecting coursework to practical applications, the experience helped students better understand personal finance and career exploration in an engaging, real-world setting.