Educational Inequity
Cultural and social fabric
Southeastern Michigan has the highest rate of concentrated poverty among the top 25 metro areas in the U.S. by population. Of these communities, Detroit has the highest concentration of poverty at 32%, doubling the national average of 13.5%.
These locations with the highest rates of poverty also have the lowest levels of educational state funding, which is why we focus on these communities. Michigan school districts receive a per pupil school aid funding, and Southeastern Michigan districts receive funding anywhere between $7,391 and $12,004. Detroit, Flint, and Pontiac are three of the 42 districts that receive the lowest funding tier for their public school students.
Ultimately, these schools have less funding to spend on instruction, administration, support, food service, transportation, maintenance and operations, community service, adult education, and other expenditures, putting their students and staff at a disadvantage.
Future Implications
Education is one of the biggest determinants of child development and outcome. Lower funding in public school settings results in insufficient resources and curriculum that further perpetuates the educational achievement gap among students in lower-income communities.
This could affect students from continuing their educational careers in high school and beyond, which can further limit future employment and other opportunities for mobility.
Learn more and get involved
Attached are some of my favorite resources on structural racism and education that explain why efforts in this field are pertinent to equality. Knowledge is power!