It’s the anticipation of the glossy yellow school bus rounding the corner, the nervousness of stepping into an unfamiliar classroom for the first time, and the excitement of not knowing what lies ahead. The first day of school is a day most of us remember fondly, but for some children, this textbook American experience is marred by the lack of equitable access to the kind of quality education every student deserves.
Systemic inequities often create barriers that prevent lower-income students from receiving an education that mirrors that of their high-income peers. That’s where our Education partners come in. In response to these inequities, several partners of the F. M. Kirby Foundation are dedicated to bridging this gap for students. Among them are Preschool Advantage and SEEDS in New Jersey, and Students to Scholars in North Carolina, each working to ensure that every child has a fair chance at academic success.
Studies show that setting children up for long-term success begins before kindergarten. However, thousands of families across the Garden State face barriers such as accessibility, childcare, and financial constraints, preventing them from being able to send their children to pre-K. Preschool Advantage focuses on providing access to high-quality preschool education for children from low-income families in New Jersey. Recognizing the profound impact early childhood education has on long-term academic and social outcomes, the organization partners with more than 25 preschools across Morris and Somerset County to help cover tuition costs for eligible families. And that work has paid off. Through its tuition assistance program, Preschool Advantage has helped over 1,400 children prepare for success in school and beyond, setting the stage for lifelong learning.
“At Preschool Advantage, we imagine a world in which all children have a fair chance to succeed in life,” said Executive Director Nancy Bangiola. “We work to give every child the best beginning to their educational journey. Like a well-built home, this great beginning will become the foundation of future success in school and in life. We are so grateful for partners like the F. M. Kirby Foundation who support our ambitious goals as true partners in our mission to open the doors to preschool and unlock the possibilities beyond.”
In addition to providing tuition assistance, Preschool Advantage also engages with the community through events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early childhood education and advocating for equitable access for all children. The F. M. Kirby Foundation is proud to have partnered with this pioneering nonprofit for 17 years.
Building on this commitment to fairness in education is another New Jersey organization focused on providing services for underserved communities. Founded in 1992 when a small group of innovators confronted the significant lack of opportunity low-income students face in urban school districts, SEEDS’ (Scholars, Educators, Excellence, Dedication, and Success) mission is to provide educational access and opportunities to students who have the potential to excel but lack the resources to do so.
The organization, based in Newark, offers comprehensive academic programs, leadership training, and college preparation to help students gain admission to and succeed in competitive secondary schools and colleges. Their approach includes scholastic programs for elementary school, middle school, and aspiring college students, offering year-round academic support for those looking to pursue a post-secondary education. By fostering a culture of excellence and resilience, SEEDS helps students overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. The organization’s commitment to creating pathways to success is evident in its impressive track record of graduates who go on to attend prestigious institutions and become leaders in their communities. The Foundation is proud to have partnered with this innovative nonprofit for 25 years.
“At SEEDS, we believe the zip code you were born into should neither determine your access to the best education, nor limit your lifelong success,” said President and CEO John Castano. “For more than 30 years, our scholars have graduated college at five times the rate of their community classmates and at a higher rate than students from the nation’s wealthiest communities. Our SEEDS scholars prove that when hard work meets access, lives are changed for the better.”
New Jersey isn’t the only geographic area of interest that includes groundbreaking organizations addressing inequities in their communities. In North Carolina, Students to Scholars focuses on providing educational support to under-resourced students, helping them transition from elementary school to high-performing private middle schools, and eventually to higher education. Like SEEDS, Students to Scholars, which operates in Durham and Orange Counties, targets students who show academic promise but lack the resources and support needed to realize their potential.
The organization offers a range of programs, including after-school tutoring, summer enrichment activities, and mentorship opportunities. Students to Scholars creates a supportive environment that addresses both academic and emotional needs, placing a strong emphasis on building long-term relationships with students and their families. Work like this helps foster a sense of community and belonging that is crucial for academic success. The Foundation is proud to have partnered with Students to Scholars since 2020.
“Students to Scholars impacted me by providing the opportunity to be challenged in school and to learn at a higher level,” said Ashanti, a student at Southern High School in Durham, who benefitted from Students to Scholars’ programming. “This experience has been exceptional, and I will never forget it.”
These three organizations exemplify the vital work being done to promote equitable school access across different educational stages. Preschool Advantage ensures that young children start their educational journey on the right foot, SEEDS prepares middle and high school students for academic and personal success, and Students to Scholars supports promising middle school students through critical transition to high school and college.
Together, they highlight the importance of targeted interventions at various points in a child’s educational experience. These organizations are not only improving students’ lives, but also contributing to a more just society. Their efforts demonstrate that with the right support, every child has the potential to succeed, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.
