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Many African American children face barriers when aspiring to receive an education that will improve their opportunities and life outcomes. One of the main challenges they face is the carceral system: incarceration has disproportionately harmed Black students, families, and communities over time.

The U.S. public education system is not built to meet the needs of all students. Unfortunately, this is not a new, or even particularly controversial, conclusion. For some time now, the evidence has been clear enough and visible enough for any reasonable person to see the reality; K-12 public education has systemic flaws with tragic consequences for the lives of Black, Brown, Indigenous students, and for students living in poverty. In fact, more than 40 years ago, it’s why Communities in Schools was founded.

During an era of social isolation and online classes, students are struggling more than ever to stay engaged with their learning.

As we enter a new year and wrap up the holiday season, Communities In Schools (CISTM) affiliates across the country are continuing to provide students and families with what they need. Not only are we providing school supplies, but we are also supporting students with new learning spaces, food, and words of encouragement.

As we approach the holiday season, Communities In Schools (CISTM) affiliates across the country are recognizing that the holidays will be different for our students, families, and communities. That is why we are going beyond the classroom to ensure families have holiday meals, warm coats, and even financial support.

Millions of students, especially Black and Brown children in the communities most affected by the coronavirus crisis, job loss, and the nation’s racial reckoning, have been feeling disconnected and distressed as schools reopened this fall in what was a “historically chaotic” school year.

This fall, Communities In Schools® (CIS) is working in schools and beyond the classroom to ensure all students have the same opportunity to succeed, whether they are learning at school or at home. CIS affiliates across the country are reengaging with students and connecting them with local resources to ensure that their basic physical, social, emotional, and educational needs are met.

Schools are the heart of every community. When they closed, it disrupted student learning and cut kids off from basic supports like meals, clothing, housing assistance, and medical care. It also separated students from the caring adults inside schools who supported their emotional well-being. Now as schools begin to reopen – whether in person or virtual – we’ll still be there, by their side, helping them realize their full potential.

Student reengagement must focus on creating equitable conditions for learning in (and out of) schools.