Hildana Gezahegn ’27, News Staff Writer

Peer Tutoring Program at Dalton High School (Image Courtesy of Dalton100.org)

Education significantly influences a student’s growth, communication skills, and career prospects which can be seen from research in the World Vision Canada organization. However, according to the NIH, socioeconomic and racial barriers prevent students from equitable educational opportunities. Students from lower-income families are regularly forced to conquer adversities in the education system such as inadequate school funding, limited access to technology, and limitations on other resources. While systemic changes cannot be immediately attained, there are opportunities through organizations and clubs. 

According to  UNESCO, poverty is the main academic barrier compared to other factors such as a person’s background, identity, and ability.  Students from low-income backgrounds often lack access to essential materials such as textbooks, technology, and a conducive learning environment. Low-income families may also struggle to provide academic support for tutoring or extracurricular activities due to financial stress. Schools in low-income areas often receive less funding, leading to larger class sizes and less-experienced teachers.  In addition, students in low-income communities often face several problems outside the classroom affecting their academic performance and well-being. Some students even struggle to get to school daily because of unreliable transportation and unsafe neighborhoods. 

Additionally, students from low-income backgrounds disproportionately come from racial and ethnic minorities. According to NPR, schools serving majority Black, Hispanic, and Native American populations often have fewer resources. This reflects a broader trend in which economically disadvantaged groups are concentrated in schools that lack adequate funding and support.  These disparities tie into a cycle of disadvantages affecting a student’s quality of education and future job opportunities.  Increasing awareness of the multiple barriers in the educational system can help advocate for fairness and equal opportunities in education. 

A Stanford University data project shows that racial achievement gaps in the United States are narrowing: today, the average Black and Hispanic students are about three years ahead of where their parents were in math skills. However,  a World Economic Forum article explains how these gaps are still “very large.”  The article depicts how the difference in standardized test scores between White students and Black and Hispanic students currently amounts to roughly two years of education. 

Although the larger systemic issues can’t be addressed immediately, high school students can help other communities combat these education inequities by engaging in different fundraisers and educating others.  Students can organize events to raise money for schools in need or for scholarships for underprivileged students. Raising awareness of the existing racial and socioeconomic barriers that diminish the quality of education is just as important as organizing events.  Students can use their voices to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. 

Newark Academy has a new tutoring program to support students at a local elementary school in Newark.  Everyone is encouraged to consider signing up and getting involved. For more information, please contact Ms. Fischer.  As a community, we should use our given opportunities to assist others in any way possible, especially for education.