UT Arlington simulation brings poverty into focus

Angela Pando describes herself as a hands-on learner, which is one reason she enjoyed attending the Community Action Poverty Simulation this spring at The University of Texas at Arlington.

“It’s refreshing to get out of the classroom and away from PowerPoints and textbooks,” said Pando, who earned her bachelor’s degree from UTA and is now pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training. “Being able to physically experience scenarios makes a huge difference for me. It pushes me to think critically and apply what I’ve learned in class instead of just memorizing it.”

Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families, but it can be difficult to fully grasp without firsthand experience. The Community Action Poverty Simulation, known as CAPS, is designed to close that gap by moving participants from assumption to understanding.

CAPS is an interactive, role-based experience that places participants in simulated real-world circumstances meant to reflect the challenges associated with living in poverty. The exercise is intended to increase awareness and help students better understand the barriers many individuals face when navigating daily life and public systems.

Pando was among several students who spent a Saturday in April participating in “A Day in the Life,” a poverty simulation that brought together students from the School of Social Work and the College of Nursing and Health Innovation. During the experience, students participated in a simulation in which each 15-minute segment represented one week, allowing them to experience what it may be like to navigate complex community systems.

It’s part of UTA’s effort to provide interprofessional experiences for students, giving them an early window into real-world challenges they may face in their careers.

“As students, we don’t always get exposure to difficult or traumatic scenarios unless we’re actively working or in an internship,” Pando said. “Simulation really immerses you in a situation and forces you to figure out how you’re going to react in real time. You can read about something in a textbook, but you can’t truly immerse yourself in it that way. Simulation makes it real.”

Ana Marcial, who earned her bachelor’s degree and is now a graduate student in the School of Social Work, echoed those thoughts. Marcial first participated in the simulation as a student in 2025 and volunteered to help run it this year.

“I’ve been involved with experiential activities and interprofessional education for much of my master’s program,” she said. “I started helping with simulations in 2024, and one of the most meaningful parts was getting to see how simulations come together. Seeing the conversations behind the scenes, like deciding what might be triggering or what truly reflects real-life practice, was really refreshing. It showed how thoughtful and intentional the process is.”

Pando and Marcial both encouraged current and prospective students to take part in future simulations, an area in which UTA has continued to build its reputation for providing innovative learning experiences for students.

“I’ve talked to students at other universities, and many of them wish they had opportunities like this,” Pando said. “It makes me feel really lucky to be part of a program that values learning by doing.”