Breaking Down Barriers

Access to education is one of the most powerful tools for upward mobility, but it remains a challenge for many of our youth. From working as a teacher at Joe Foss to my current work with the South Dakota Afterschool Network, I see firsthand how barriers such as poverty, lack of resources, and discrimination can make it difficult for young people to succeed. However, we can start breaking down these barriers as a community.

The first step is to provide exposure to different opportunities. Many kids may need to learn the vast range of possibilities available to them regarding schooling and careers. Exposure to different options allows them to broaden their horizons and see what is beyond their immediate surroundings.

“When children are encouraged to explore and imagine, they are more likely to see education as an opportunity rather than a chore.

Various academic and community organizations are working to provide kids with opportunities to explore future options well before graduation. For example, the Sioux Falls School District allows students to earn up to credit hours for job shadowing, allowing youth to explore potential careers before making post-graduation decisions. Organizations like The Promising Futures Fund are working on curating experiences for youth that expose them to post-secondary institutions and art and cultural programs.

Another critical factor is allowing them to dream and nurture their curiosity. When children are encouraged to explore and imagine, they are more likely to see education as an opportunity rather than a chore. Nurturing children’s curiosity starts from day one. When students reach school age, afterschool programs provide an environment that enhances and expands on skills taught in the classroom. According to the Afterschool Alliance, afterschool programs provide kids with hands-on learning, a place to explore new interests, grow communication skills, work collaboratively, and foster a sense of self-confidence.

Simply giving time and attention can be incredibly valuable to a By valuing experiences over possessions, families can instill a love of learning in their children. There is a population of youth who come from broken homes or are already on their own; for these youth and many others, mentorship is another powerful tool. Sometimes, all young people need is someone to call on when they need guidance or support. Having a mentor can make all the difference. You can take the first step to a mentor relationship by learning more about programs like Sioux 52, which works to pair mentors and mentees to create mutually beneficial one-to-one relationships that build a stronger community.

Financial barriers can also be a significant obstacle. Some kids must drop out of school to work and support their families. It is essential to provide alternative ways of support to help these kids stay in school and build a better future for themselves and their families. These unique situations require a unique solution. The Joe Foss program in the Sioux Falls School District allows students the flexibility to finish coursework at their pace while also completing internships and holding full-time employment.

By working together, we can help all young people have access to the education they need to succeed. l