Educational opportunities are not distributed evenly. In the United States, public schools are funded by a blend of federal, state, and local revenue. Of those, local tax dollars make up around 45% of public school’s funding. In other words, a school’s budget is tied to the community it’s located in. Due to the United State’s history of systemic racism and economic inequality, not every community has the same amount of money to spend on education. As a result, low-income students often receive fewer opportunities for advancement and poorer educational opportunities than their more privileged peers. While this issue is systemic and chronic, this blog seeks to identify and provide parents with advice regarding accessible opportunities for the advancement of their children.
Gifted and Special Programs

One of the main issues underfunded schools face is a lack of programs for students who would benefit from more challenging coursework and for students who require personalized attention. These gifted and special programs require additional resources such as specially trained teachers, added classroom space, and costly supplies. In many cases, under-resourced schools simply do not have money available for these types of extension programs. In such cases, there are some other options, which are outlined below, that you can explore to access these resources for your child
Your Child’s Counselor
Talk to your child’s counselor about any additional educational opportunities that may exist. Every school district is different and there may be opportunities available for your child that are not widely publicized but that the counselors may know about. Ask about honors, advanced placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, as well as dual enrollment high school and college classes. For students who would benefit from more personalized attention, ask your student’s counselor if there are workshops and interventions available on or off campus.
Support for Gifted Students
Gifted students are often overlooked in under-resourced schools. Because of their success, the potential of gifted students is often under-nurtured, causing these students to miss out on opportunities their more privileged peers have access to. Speak with your child’s teachers about what will be taught next, and encourage your child to work ahead in their lessons and then help teach their peers in the classroom. You can also ask about potential extension lessons, that is curriculum that is related to what is being taught in the classroom but that will challenge your child more. This type of advanced work can keep your child more engaged and motivated to learn at their pace.
Support for Students with Disabilities
Many students suffer from learning disabilities. Common learning disabilities include ADHD/ADD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia. Though these disabilities can, at times, be frustrating, there are a multitude of resources available to assist children experiencing them. For students living in Illinois, the State Board of Education can be a fantastic tool. Here you’ll find compiled information about a plethora of learning disabilities, strategies for success, and stories from both students and parents. For students residing in Texas, the Texas Project First has a similar database of resources and tools. No matter the learning disability, websites like these are powerful tools to help your child take full advantage of their educational opportunities.
Outside Learning Support

Set aside time for your child to continue their education outside of school hours. While these additional pursuits will not be reflected on your child’s transcript, offering additional educational opportunities for your child is a great way to set them up for success when they encounter challenges in school or work. Additionally, these courses can be recorded in your child’s resume and college applications.
Learning with Videos
If your student is struggling, consider exploring online resources to supplement classroom learning. For instance, Khan Academy is free and easily accessible, making it an incredibly valuable resource. It offers assistance with courses from Pre-K through college in topics ranging from computer programming to art history, from macroeconomics to music, and from life skills to SAT prep. Plus, students can learn at their own pace, making it a great option for students who need a little extra academic attention without supervision. Try setting aside 30-60 minutes each day for them to work independently on their most challenging subjects using Khan Academy.
Crash Course is another fantastic online resource. It provides videos for over 45 different courses including European history, media literacy, organic chemistry, and political theory. Offering in-depth knowledge at a lightning-fast pace, Crash Course is best for students who want to expand upon their learning in subjects they have a firm grasp on. They are also helpful to get a quick overview of a specific subject before your student fully dives in.
Tutoring at a Local Library
For students who do their best with hands-on assistance, consider accessing tutoring through your neighborhood or county library. Many local libraries provide tutoring services at free or low cost. If transportation to the library is a challenge, tutoring may even be offered virtually. Tutoring is great for inquisitive students who benefit from personalized guidance during their learning process.
Tutoring with a Local Company
Many private tutoring companies offer affordable tutoring, as well. For instance, here at Educate, Radiate, Elevate., we offer high-quality and personalized tutoring to under-resourced students – all at no cost to their families. Unlike other tutoring companies, E.R.E. also teaches soft skills such as emotional self-control, self-resilience, and leadership. Get started with one of our talented tutors! E.R.E. is perfect for students who are looking for education mentorship, but cannot afford to hire a private tutor.
Conclusion
Educational inequality is systemic. Many low-income students of color learn under unfavorable conditions caused by a lack of funding and resources. This creates a barrier that prohibits these students from accessing advanced educational opportunities such as attending college or attaining stable employment. All students deserve access to high-quality learning support. As a parent, you can widen their opportunities by speaking to your child’s counselor, continuing education at home, utilizing your local library, and signing up for tutoring.
If you are passionate about uplifting youth through education, donate to our tutoring programs. Your contribution gives students the opportunity to enrich their lives and reach their dreams. Just $60 provides one week of life-changing tutoring for a student in need.