One in four Black, Latinx, and Native American children experience poverty in New York State. The chronic stress of poverty can have devastating effects on growing families and impacts the brain development of young children.

Access to financial aid can be a key factor in determining whether students who are from low-income backgrounds, immigrant, and first-generation college hopefuls can attend college.

Across New York State, Black, Latinx, and Native American students and those from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately excluded from advanced coursework that can help students prepare for college and careers.

Supporting New York’s diverse student population requires providing robust mental health resources, fostering welcoming environments for students of color, diversifying curricula, and promoting culturally responsive family engagement to reduce chronic absence and improve overall school climate.