At the Raikes Foundation, we believe in the boundless potential of young people. However, societal barriers keep far too many young people from reaching their full potential, particularly low-income children and young people of color. Everything we do aims to achieve at least one of two goals: breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of young people’s growth and building up the environment
s in which they live, learn and play. Our work in education, youth homelessness and expanded learning opportunities attempts to change systems that have traditionally been, and continue to be, inequitable. Students of color are more likely to struggle in schools that don’t show them that they belong. Youth of color and LGBTQ kids are more likely to end up homeless and alone. And opportunities for enrichment outside the school day are fewer and of lower quality for low-income young people, further limiting their opportunities. We work at the systems level – to ensure classrooms enable all kinds of children to thrive; to stem the flow of young people into homelessness; and to raise the level of quality in programs that serve students outside the regular school day. We do this work because we believe in in a just and inclusive society where all young people have the support they need to reach their full potential.
