The Importance Of Poverty In Education

Many people fall upon hard times, but being “impoverished” is a different story entirely. As a disclaimer, the author has never lived without struggling for money, but in no way has experienced true poverty. Unfortunately, for 21% of children in the United States as of 2017, poverty is both inescapable and seemingly insurmountable. However, a good education and determination can allow an impoverished child to flourish and grow into a successful adult.

Anywhere from 21 to 43 percent of children in the United States live in poverty. This is in no way saying that these children are doomed. There are a few markers that indicate whether an impoverished child can become successful later in life: how long the children are impoverished, whether their

That being said, there are still ways for children to escape this bottomless pit that is poverty. As aforementioned, education reform would play a large part in helping some of these children succeed. Also, supplying low-income families with the proper support and new opportunities will show a significant increase in the number of children that succeed later in life. Living in less disadvantaged cities with less segregated schools, living with an employed family, or spending fewer years in a family headed by someone with a disability are all factors that can allow a “persistently poor” child to overcome

Fortunately, thanks to a good education and many years of hard work, there are many examples of children who were born “persistently poor” that grew up to be massively successful adults. Andrew Carnegie came to America at age 12 with nothing, and began working in a textile factory for $1.20 per week. Through hard work and perseverance alone, Carnegie landed a position at a telegraph company, doubling his prior earnings. Soon, after more hard work, Carnegie was noticed and employed by the superintendent for the Pennsylvania railroad, making $35 a month. The superintendent took Carnegie under his wing and taught him valuable skills, both in railroad operation and business. At age 25, just thirteen years after coming to America with nothing, Andrew Carnegie was making over $50,000 per year. The story of Andrew Carnegie is one that is popularly referred to as a classic “rags to riches” story, however the author attributes Carnegie’s success to his hard work, dedication, and valuable