Effects of poverty put students at a disadvantage
This story is produced and presented by our sponsor, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville
According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, 22 percent of all children in the United States — a total of more than 16 million — live in poverty.
To qualify for this statistic, families must have incomes that are lower than the current federal poverty level of around $23,550 a year for a family of four. And with research indicating that families need at least twice that amount to cover basic living expenses, the data illuminates the harsh reality of economic disparity in this country. Sadly, Nashville is not immune.
"Over 70 percent of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch, so the issue of poverty in our city is real," says Dr. Tony Majors, the chief support services officer of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. "We see children and families who lack educational resources, proper nutrition, access to health care and stable living conditions, to name a few; all of which impact their education and socio-emotional growth."
Indeed, the issue of poverty becomes even more tragic when considered in the context of education. While education is the one factor that can almost single-handedly propel children and their families toward a higher socioeconomic status, for children growing up without basic necessities, that better life becomes frustratingly out of reach. That is, without the right assistance.
"Living in poverty alone does not mean that a child cannot have a successful future, but it does mean that the child and family must overcome additional barriers in order to be successful," Majors adds. "I think that most people would be surprised to know just how deeply [poverty-induced] trauma and stress impacts our children."
While poverty puts these children at a distinct disadvantage, Majors points to a key factor that can make a positive difference in their lives: an adult who takes an interest in them.
"That caring adult can be a teacher, their impoverished parent or a community member; it doesn't matter as long as they invest their time and energy into nurturing and caring for the child," says Majors.
At Napier Elementary, an MNPS school, principal Angela Underwood knows first-hand how difficult it can be for disadvantaged children to cope with life's struggles and also how impactful a community of supporters can be. Underwood cites an incident during the 2014-2015 school year, during which a brother of one of her students was killed in a high-speed police chase. A few weeks later, the student's single mother passed away suddenly.
"As a school community we knew that our student was not in a position to focus on academics during that horrific time, nor was the extended family in a position to support her in the way we knew she needed to be supported, especially from an economic standpoint," Underwood says. "We united and embraced the entire family, connecting them with a variety of resources to cover funeral expenses, food, clothing, transportation and emotional support."
Regarding Napier's larger community, Underwood notes that United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has been one of the school's biggest supporters, providing resources for students and families, while also serving as an advocate for educational programming. In Nashville, the organization sponsors the early literacy program "Read to Succeed," as well as multiple school-based family resource centers.
"Seventy-two percent of Nashville students live in some level of poverty, but fixing the problem is not as simple as providing free or subsidized meals," says Erica Mitchell, United Way's senior director of community impact. "United Way focuses on the three areas recognized as the building blocks to a better life — education, financial stability and health. By encouraging and supporting programs in these three key areas, we work in partnership with many in the community to provide families with pathways toward independence. That involves breaking generational cycles and preventing poverty in the first place."
While successful, these programs wouldn't be possible without the help of individual supporters — everyday citizens who are committed to making a difference in the lives of impoverished children and their families. Volunteer opportunities with United Way and its 63 partner organizations are plentiful, says Mitchell, and can range from teaching families to cook healthy meals to providing critical school supplies to students in need.
But, Underwood adds, making an impact can be as simple as reaching out to a neighborhood school.
"Napier has an extensive volunteer program, and we welcome any community members or groups who wish to support our school," says Underwood. "I firmly believe that the task we have before us, which is to increase the academic achievement of our students, cannot be mastered in isolation."
This content is provided and presented by our sponsor, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville