Poverty Simulation
Poverty Simulation
Bringing unseen realities into the light.
The Poverty Simulation is an emotional, immersive experience designed to help educators better understand the daily challenges many students and families face. In one three-hour session, participants experience one month in poverty, gaining a deeper look at the stress, decision-making, barriers, and systems families may navigate every day.
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Why This Experience Matters
Across Texas, more than half of students in many grade levels are identified as economically disadvantaged. This simulation gives educators a powerful opportunity to better understand how poverty can affect attendance, behavior, family engagement, learning, and daily decision-making.
A Different Perspective for Every Participant
District teams are encouraged to attend together, but participants will not move through the simulation together. Each person will be placed into a different family group, allowing every participant to walk away with a unique perspective and deeper understanding.
“The simulation was a powerful reminder of the daily stressors many of our students face and how those challenges reach far beyond the walls of a classroom. It helps educators understand the "why" behind certain behaviors and reminds us of the importance of approaching our students and families with empathy and grace.”
Robin White, Chapel Hill ISD
About the Poverty Simulation
The "Poverty Simulation" is a tool that helps participants rethink the challenges that millions of low-income individuals must face each and every day. More importantly, this tool helps people identify areas of change that can directly impact the effects of poverty on individuals, families, and communities. The simulation breaks down stereotypes by allowing participants to step into the real-life situations of others. Poverty is often portrayed as a stand-alone issue, but this simulation allows individuals to walk a month in the shoes of someone who is facing poverty and realize how complex and interconnected issues of poverty really are.
Audience: Open to anyone who works in education, including administrators, counselors, Federal program directors, homeless liaisons, and Title I, Part A & C contacts.
Bring Your Team
The Poverty Simulation can be a meaningful staff development or team-building opportunity. When teams attend together, each participant is placed into a different family group, creating space for richer conversation, reflection, and shared learning after the experience.
Learn More
The Poverty Simulation is designed to create understanding, encourage reflection, and inspire meaningful conversations that continue long after the experience ends.
Learn more about Poverty Simulation
