http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-908819.mp3
Kansas City, MO – If you grew up in Kansas City anytime since 1980, you probably took a school field trip to Exchange City. At this learning center, grade school students take on the roles of various members of an adult community, like the mayor, banker and radio reporter, to learn how the economy of the "real world" really works.
The United Service Community Action Agency in Kansas City offers adults a chance to play make believe and learn about a different kind of "real world": the reality of poverty. In a poverty simulation, participants are invited to take on the role of a person struggling to make ends meet.
This week, KCUR's Alex Smith went to a poverty simulation to find out more.
This story was produced for KC Currents. To listen on your own schedule, subscribe to the KC Currents Podcast.
