The MetroWest Equity in Education Project aims to tackle racial disparities and boost academic achievement throughout MetroWest. The Project focuses on increasing access to high-quality, evidence-based programs that build a strong foundation for literacy and STEM success among under-resourced children and youth, from birth to age 18.
Access to early and ongoing educational support in literacy, math and STEM are critical to overall academic success for young people. As milestones in a student’s career, both 3rd grade reading and 8th grade math performance are strongly correlated to whether a student will graduate from high school. Proficiency in reading and math are also important life skills and essential for a variety of careers. Persistent gaps in academic achievement exist for students of different races, ethnicities, and incomes as a result of a variety of factors. These include varying levels of resources, limited access to early education and care, lack of diversity among teaching staff, and historical systems of segregation in communities and schools.
Finding ways to enhance learning opportunities both during the early developmental years and in-school for young people in our region will lead to higher graduation rates and stronger young adults who are ready to enter the workforce.
Increase family support and early education opportunities in homes, childcare spaces, and communities to promote
skill building, healthy habits, and developmentally appropriate progress to set children and families up
for success.
Position high-quality evidence-based programs and engaging and accessible exploratory initiatives in both in-school and out-of-school environments to increase learning and social-emotional skills and promote a brighter future for underresourced youth.
Ensure families are equipped to provide supportive and healthy environments for students to promote learning and emotional well-being. Includes access to basic needs, support programs, technology, and skill-building opportunities.
Two Impact MetroWest indicators that support our Equity in Education Action Project are Third Grade Reading Proficiency and Eighth Grade Math Proficiency. As shown in the adjacent charts, there are disparities in proficiency between students of different races as well as a consistent theme of underperforming cities and town in our region.
Rates for all groups in MetroWest were slightly higher than those at the state level, but the region’s racial and ethnic disparities were similar to Massachusetts as a whole.
To successfully implement and expand identified initiatives to address academic achievement for MetroWest children and youth, the Community Foundation for MetroWest plans to raise an additional $600,000 between 2024-2026. Partner with us to invest in interventions to ensure all students can successfully prepare for, learn and excel in school.
We are asking our funding partners to pledge a three-year commitment to this project to ensure the maximum impact of your support. One-time gifts are also welcome.
Mathworks helped launch the Equity in Education Action Project with an initial donation of $250,000.
Jay Kim, Executive Director
[email protected]
Matt Jose, Senior Program Officer, Action Projects [email protected]