“Education is the key to a brighter future.” When you hear this saying, do you believe it to be true? If education is truly THE key; what are we saying about those the education system leaves behind? Are they undeserving of the key? Is the key meant for only the privileged few?
Instead of a key, education has become the lock on the door that holds people in their socio-economic status. People living in poverty have lower literacy and numeracy rates[1]. There is also a large gap in their knowledge and use of technology[2]. The lower literacy and numeracy rates are reflected in high school and college graduation statistics. 69% of children living in poverty graduate from high school. Of this 69%, 40% enroll in college. Although 40% enroll in college, only 12%, actually complete their degree program[3][4]. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics college graduates earn nearly twice as much as high school graduates. In addition, 90% of the fastest growing jobs require post-secondary education or training. If young people in poverty do not successfully navigate the education system, then their potential for a brighter future dims.
The statistics for children living in poverty are dire. The statistics for their peers who are homeless are worse. To be unsheltered, is to live in a constant state of stress[5][6]. Instead of academics these children are faced with “Where will I sleep tonight?” Instead of focusing on their lessons, they ponder, “Will school breakfast and lunch be all I eat today?” As long as the condition of this vulnerable population remains unheard and unseen; their ability to attain “the key to a brighter future” becomes an elusive goal.
What are we willing to do to assist these young people in attaining the key? Over the next few weeks strategies will be explored that can assist children experiencing homelessness in their pursuit of the “key to a brighter future”.
[1] National Results: The Nation's Report Card. (2009). Retrieved September 27, 2010, from The Nation's Report Card: http://www.nationsreportcard.gov
[2] MacKinnon, S., & Wolff, L. (2002). What is The Digital Divide? TechKnowLogia, 7-9.
[3] (2010). U.S. Census Report. Washington D.C.
[4] Engle, J., & O’Brien, C. (2007). Demography is Not Destiny: Increasing the graduation rates of low-income college students at large public universities. Washington D.C.: Pell Institute
[5]American Psychological Association. (2011). Retrieved May 25, 2011, from Public Interest Directoratate: http://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/economy.aspx
[6] Effects of Poverty, Hunger, and Homelessness on Children and Youth. (2011, April 24). Retrieved from American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/pi/families/poverty.aspx#
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