Simulation event to give students and community members a glimpse into living in poverty – Hesston College

Area residents are invited to learn more about low economic situations faced by many families living in our communities during a poverty simulation hosted by Hesston College and Circles of Hope of Harvey County and sponsored through a grant from the Hesston Community Foundation. “It usually means that at least twice the number of people identified by the census are actually living in poverty.”

For Hesston College organizer and education faculty member Tami Keim, the poverty simulation is a useful way to help students in education and the social sciences, especially, understand situations and families with whom they may work in their future careers.

“As they move into the professional world, students will work with people from a wide variety of socioeconomic statuses,” said Keim. That kind of understanding makes students better teachers and social scientists.”
Hesston College first hosted a poverty simulation with Circles of Hope in 2013, and Keim notes that it was a time of learning and growing for many students.

“For most students, that level of poverty is a new experience, but it’s the reality for so many Americans,” Keim said.