This past week, my four year old son graduated from preschool. Seeing the pride on the faces of his classmates and him filled me with such joy and wonder about the amazing futures these students have ahead of them. Sparking a love for learning at an early age is one of the greatest gifts we can give to younger generations. Education has always been at the heart of our mission. We know both from personal experience and from empirical research that an educated society is a society that thrives. Unfortunately, the past decade has been incredibly difficult for the education sector in the United States. In this post, I’ll share a little bit about the struggles we’re seeing among schools and scholars, and some insights into how we can help reverse course to allow the minds of our next generation to thrive.
The Decline of Public Education Funding: Why Private Support Is More Crucial Than Ever
Over the past decade, public education in the United States has faced significant financial challenges. In the ten years following the 2008 Recession, states’ disinvestment in public schools resulted in nearly $600 billion in lost funding, and it has only gotten worse since then. This reduction has had profound effects on the quality and accessibility of education nationwide. (edlawcenter.org)
Recent policy decisions have further exacerbated the situation. The current Federal Government budget proposal includes $4.5 billion in cuts to K-12 programs and a total of $12 billion in reductions to the U.S. Department of Education. These cuts threaten essential services such as special education, early childhood programs, and school meal initiatives. (nea.org) (thetelegraph.com)
In Illinois, for example, $19 million that were earmarked for HVAC improvements in East St. Louis schools were rescinded, leaving students in aging facilities without necessary upgrades. Such instances highlight the tangible impacts of funding shortfalls on students’ daily learning environments. (thetelegraph.com)
How the Pandemic Deepened the Education Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic not only disrupted the classroom experience, it widened existing inequalities in the education system. At the height of the pandemic, over 55 million students in the U.S. were affected by school closures. Learning loss hit underserved communities the hardest. According to McKinsey & Company, by the end of the 2020–2021 school year, students in low-income schools were nearly seven months behind in learning compared to their more affluent peers. This was compounded by the fact that many students lacked access to the internet or devices for virtual learning; what became known as the “digital divide.” Many low-income students simply lost an entire year or more of schooling.
Catching up has been slow going. Teachers all over the country have been reporting poorer literacy, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and math skills among this affected group of students than in any of their prior teaching years. The long-term impact is staggering: students affected by COVID-related disruptions may earn $50,000 to $60,000 less over their lifetimes, collectively amounting to trillions in lost economic output.
The Return on Investment in Education
The need to find solutions to these education shortfalls is both vital and urgent. Time and time again, it has been proven that investing in education yields substantial returns, both for individuals and society as a whole:
- Economic Growth: Each additional year of schooling can increase a person’s income by 10%, contributing to broader economic development. (learningpolicyinstitute.org)
- Reduced Poverty and Crime: Higher education levels are associated with lower poverty rates and decreased likelihood of incarceration, leading to safer and more prosperous communities. (National Library of Medicine)
- Improved Health Outcomes: Educated individuals are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, reducing public healthcare costs and enhancing quality of life. (National Library of Medicine)
How You Can Help Bridge The Gap
The challenges facing today’s students, from underfunded classrooms to pandemic-related setbacks, won’t be solved overnight. However, there is hope. With collective effort, we can bridge the gap. Here are meaningful ways you can take action right now:
1. Donate to Proven Programs
Direct contributions to organizations like The Valentine Foundation fuel high-impact initiatives like:
- Find My Genius (Southeast Ventura County YMCA):
We help fund this transformative summer and afterschool program that supports under-resourced K–5 students through a blend of literacy, STEAM education, and emotional well-being. Each year, hundreds of children are able to take advantage of this program and those numbers are only growing. Last year we had over 700 students participate. - Kettering University Scholarship Program:
Since 2018, we’ve awarded over 150 scholarships to promising students pursuing careers in STEM and applied sciences at Kettering University, a top institution in engineering, innovation and industry partnerships. - Rosenstiel School Teaching Assistantships:
We provide support for PhD students at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, who mentor undergraduates through hands-on research, blending high-level science with experiential learning.
Even a modest monthly donation ensures these programs continue and can expand to serve even more students.
2. Advocate for Expanded Funding
Use your voice to support policies and budgets that prioritize expanded access to quality education:
- Call your local school board or state legislators
- Support bond measures or local initiatives aimed at school improvements
- Share informative content on social media to raise awareness
3. Volunteer Your Time or Expertise
If you’re a professional, educator, or simply someone who cares:
- Offer to mentor students in career exploration or college prep
- Volunteer for summer or afterschool programs in your area
- Serve as a virtual tutor or reading buddy through nonprofit networks
4. Support Educators and Parents
Encourage and equip the people on the frontlines:
- Donate supplies to local classrooms
- Help fund teacher grants or continuing education
- Share resources with parents navigating educational delays
5. Become an Ambassador
Spread the word about organizations making a difference. Hosting a small fundraiser, setting up a peer-to-peer giving campaign, or simply introducing your network to our mission can create powerful ripple effects.
Together, these initiatives combat learning loss and funding inequities, empowering students to lead, innovate, and give back to their communities.
Take Action
Education in the United States may be under threat of decline, but there is hope. Join us in our mission to strengthen livelihoods and communities through expanded access to education. Donate Now or Learn More about how you can get involved.
by Malcolm Gordon