For many children in District 9, education remains the only true ladder out of poverty — yet that ladder is broken for too many. Students often leave primary school without strong reading or math skills, which leaves them struggling in later grades.

Opportunities for secondary education and college preparation are limited and unaffordable for most families. At the same time, youth who are not academically inclined have almost no access to vocational or technical training, leaving them without employable skills. Without intervention, thousands of young people risk being locked out of opportunity.