Poverty Simulation

Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. Unless you have experienced poverty, it is difficult to truly understand. The Poverty Simulation bridges that gap from misconception to understanding. This simulation is an in-person, two-hour interactive immersion experience that sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty.

Play Gaining New Perspectives - IPE Poverty Simulation
Gaining New Perspectives - IPE Poverty Simulation

The Poverty Simulation is not a game. It is based on real Community Action clients and their lives.  

Objectives: 

  1. Promote Poverty Awareness - During the simulation, role-play a month in poverty and experience low-income families’ lives. 
  1. Increase Understanding - After the simulation, you will unpack your learning and brainstorm community change. 
  1. Inspire Local Change - Together, you can be a voice to end poverty in your family, friends, and community. 
  1. Transform Perspectives - The ultimate goal is to shift the paradigm about poverty away from being seen as a personal failure and toward the understanding of poverty as structural, a failure of society. 

 
This simulation is a great opportunity to network with fellow healthcare students. 

For more details or to sign up for one of the dates (listed below), please contact Katie Hoffman (ksmalley@hsc.wvu.edu).  Upon request, you may be eligible to receive community service hours AND a certificate upon completion of this simulation. 

Fall 2025 Dates: 

TBD 

Please Email Katie Hoffman (ksmalley@hsc.wvu.edu) if you would like to inquire about space/availability.  Each session can accommodate up to 80 learners.