Every fall, families across Snohomish County celebrate the back-to-school season with excitement: new backpacks, fresh notebooks, and the promise of new beginnings. But for many children in our community, especially those living in poverty or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, this season can also bring added stress and uncertainty.
Students living in poverty often face challenges that go far beyond the classroom. A lack of nutritious meals, stable housing, or access to healthcare can all affect a child’s ability to thrive. At home, many families cannot afford school supplies, reliable internet, or even enough quiet space for homework. Parents working multiple jobs to support their families may not be able to provide the academic support their children need.
Inside the classroom, the inequities continue. Schools in lower-income neighborhoods often struggle with limited funding, outdated resources, and fewer services for students who need them most. Nationally, ongoing funding cuts to education further compound these challenges, stretching already thin budgets and forcing schools to do more with less.
As a community, we have the power to change this story. United Way of Snohomish County is committed to supporting children and families whether that’s providing access to books or healthcare needs, and we are always exploring new ways to ensure the success of families within our community.
This school year let’s celebrate not just the excitement of going back to school, but also our shared responsibility to ensure every child, regardless of income, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.