Poverty Simulation

The 2024 Poverty Simulation was UM-Dearborn's final iteration of this program. We are grateful to student participants, faculty who included the simulation in their coursework, and to all the wonderful volunteers over the years. 

To community organizations interested in hosting your own Poverty Simulation, the Missouri Community Action Network offers facilitator training and the ability to purchase your own kit.

The Poverty Simulation takes students through a one-month simulation experience of being a financially insecure citizen having to navigate life challenges such as paying bills, ensuring adequate childcare, purchasing food, obtaining transportation to work and other life responsibilities. These simulations lead students – from such courses as sociology, political science, economics, business, and urban and regional studies – through vivid role-playing experiences as low-income citizens.

Thank you to the participants, volunteers, facilitators, and planning committee members that helped to make 2022's Poverty Simulation a deeply meaningful experience!