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Moreno Valley, CA

Palm’s Game of Life

Grant Amount

$20,000

Year Awarded

2025-2026

Project Coordinator

Trina Escarzaga

Grant Type

Team

Local Association

Moreno Valley Educators Association

Focus Area

Career and Technical Education

About the Project

Palm’s Game of Life is an annual event at Palm Middle School that brings math and literacy to life through a real-world simulation based on the classic board game. Students begin by receiving a career, salary, debt, and credit score, then move through booths representing everyday expenses like groceries, healthcare, taxes, and auto repair. Staff and community members run the booths, guiding students as they make budgeting decisions and calculate expenses using real-life scenarios. The event also includes lessons on reading contracts and understanding financial responsibility. This grant will expand the program to include more accessible activities for students with disabilities, English Learners, and younger siblings, while also supporting teacher planning time, hands-on materials, and deeper community involvement.

Meet the Project Coordinator

Trina Escarzaga

As a 7th and 8th grade Special Day Class Education Specialist, I've coordinated a community-based Math and Literacy Night for three years. I created a "Game of Life" event to answer the age-old question, "When are we ever going to use this?" By having students make real-world decisions with community members, they build confidence in their math skills and see their practical applications firsthand.

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