The United States of America is, by conventional economic measures, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, with an average per capita income of $34, 586 in 2005. Yet, 37 million Americans (12.6 % of all Americans) live in poverty. Of these people, 17.6% are children, 21.8% are Hispanic, and 24.9% are Black.
What does it mean to live in poverty in the United States? Last year the U.S. government set the poverty threshold at $19, 806 a year for a family of four with two parents and two children. For a single parent with one child, the threshold is $13,461. If you made more than this amount last year, you were not considered to be living in poverty. If you take a look at the typical expenses for a family of four, this amount of money does not cover even the most basic needs (see link).
How is it that this can persist in a nation of our wealth? How is it that the number of people living in poverty has either increased or held steady for each of the last six years? Some people feel that those who live in poverty are lazy, abusing the welfare system, and thus unworthy of assistance. Others feel that with hard work and determination, it is possible for an individual to climb out of poverty unassisted. Certainly some of the poor lack motivation and some are so talented and driven that they will succeed no matter what. However, we find that most of the people living at or below the poverty line are normal people who want the best for their children and struggle every day against the myriad historical, social, political, and economic forces that are arrayed against them. It is not acceptable that the circumstances of birth so often determine what opportunities are available to us.
We can change this. What if we altered the flow of some of our resources? If you are reading this, the odds are that you have spent the last several years working toward your college degree, a privilege not available to many of the people in this world. You are a valuable resource, a resource that is desperately needed in low-resourced urban schools. Education can change lives and transform our social structure.
Join us in our effort to empower children in underserved areas through education. We need your idealism, your energy, and your skill. We in turn, will provide top training and a support system that we believe is unparalleled. Join us and work to become the change.