Summer is the most unequal and underutilized time in America
Despite leading in average school performance, Massachusetts has substantial gaps in achievement, wealth, and life outcomes based on race and zip code. In 2017, the median net worth in Boston for whites was $247,500, compared to just $8 for people of color.
School alone cannot fix this imbalance. Children spend just 20% of their waking hours in school, and the other 80% is where disadvantage is exacerbated. With fewer opportunities outside of school, poor children fare worse than wealthier peers on education, health, safety and skills outcomes.