322 disadvantaged teenagers are relying on Futures’ academic help and mentoring this school year, some as young as 13. They’re growing up in some of the poorest Chester County neighborhoods. They attend our public schools, sit in classes beside our children, work after-school jobs in stores we patronize. But the lives they lead are far different from ours. Because they are poor, their path through school often resembles a hazard zone. And because most are Hispanic or black, U.S. statistical odds give them a 50-50 chance of earning a diploma on time.
With no outside help, these susceptible students may struggle and fail. And it won’t be their fault! Studies show that minority children are roughly 2 to 3 years of learning behind the average white student. And the average low-income child is approximately 2 years of learning behind the average better off student. It’s not for lack of intelligence; it’s for lack of opportunity.
- Grow up without books in the home
- Often have absent fathers
- Are surrounded by under-educated adults
- Have little breathing room to study or do homework
- Sometimes are exposed to street violence
- May be forced to work after school to sustain the family
For them to succeed, critical support must come, not just from the schools, but from their communities—from all of us. We must do everything possible to help them graduate on time with a shot at college after that. The number one predictor of their success in life is whether or not they graduate from high school. A high school diploma means 50% higher lifetime earnings. A bachelors degree adds another 73% lifetime earnings premium over just a diploma.
Their failure would be a human tragedy with immense economic costs for all of us. With your help, Futures is laying the ground work for their success. High school is their last and best window of opportunity. Together we can make sure these deserving young students stay in school and—better yet—gain access to college.
how can you help them?
