Ensuring access to education is a responsibility
Each week, this series will introduce you to an exceptional American who unites, rather than divides, our communities. To read more about the American profiled here and more average Americans doing exceptional things, visit onenation.usatoday.com.
What does it mean to you to be an American?
America is the land of opportunity for all. We are a special nation that encourages our people to ... achieve their dreams. The only path to attaining the American Dream is through a strong education. We have a responsibility ... to ensure that all our youth, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, have equal opportunities and access to education.
What moment touched and motivated you to launch this effort?
I came across the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell . ... Gladwell mentioned the academic summer learning gap that exists between children of lower and upper socioeconomic backgrounds . ... After doing more research, I discovered a deeply concerning statistic: Each summer, a child from an underprivileged family loses at least two months in math and reading, while a student from upper-income family gains over one month. I knew that something had to be done ... so I founded the Solving the Summer Learning Gap club at my high school, Sage Hill.
What gives you hope or what concerns you?
I am concerned by how we are not focused on the most important issue that faces our K to 12 education system. We continuously hear news about funding and class sizes. Rarely do we pay attention to how the short school year and long stretch of summer disproportionately impact children from lower-income families. I feel a strong sense of hope knowing that we as a nation possess the resources to solve this problem.
What do you hope to accomplish through your efforts?
Our club at Sage Hill School has a three-pronged strategy to solve the summer learning gap; raise awareness of the issue, advocate for change, and take direct action through developing and deliver.