What is a Poverty Simulation?

The poverty simulation is a large-scale, three-hour simulation where participants role play one month in the lives of families living in poverty. Students adopt the roles of impoverished families and must interact with the many community agencies that both help and hinder survival of the poor in our society.  

This interprofessional experiential learning simulation at Loyola is offered at the Lake Shore Campus, Water Tower Campus, and Health Sciences Campus during the fall and spring semesters and attracts 80-90 participants for each half day simulation. All Loyola University faculty, students, staff, and community agencies are welcome to attend. 

In Fall 2016, the Poverty Simulation was part of the teaching and events of Hunger Week, a Loyola tradition for over 40 years.