Imagine a world where every child, no matter their background, has the support to learn, thrive, and realize their potential. This vision of universal educational opportunity is not just an aspiration — it’s a call to recognize education as a fundamental civil right.

In our society, education holds the power to unlock doors, dismantle barriers, and shape futures. Yet our educational system still falls short, particularly for children from underserved communities. For these children, the simple presence of a caring adult — someone to mentor, support, and guide them — can make a life-changing difference.

Education in America has long been a battleground for equality. During the era of slavery, education for enslaved people was banned because of its potential to empower. It wasn’t until 1954, in the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, that education was acknowledged as a right that should be accessible to all citizens on equal terms. Even today, the reality is far from that ideal, with access to quality education often determined by zip code and family income.

The inequities in educational access are not only morally troubling but also have lasting social implications. Without a solid educational foundation, children from marginalized communities are far more likely to experience lower income, poorer health, and even incarceration. The pipeline from poorly resourced schools to prison is well-documented, with low educational attainment often leading to incarceration. This cycle of undereducation and social disenfranchisement is a devastating reality for many. Studies have shown that those with low levels of education, particularly high school dropouts, are statistically more likely to end up in the criminal justice system.

This is why mentoring programs like those offered by Boston Partners in Education are so essential. Their work ensures that students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have at least one adult in their lives who believes in them, offers guidance, and helps them stay engaged in their education. For many students, this kind of mentorship is the critical support that steers them away from the pitfalls of an underfunded education system and toward a promising future.

As an advocate for education reform, I have often seen the role of education in breaking down the cycle of poverty and criminal recidivism. In conversations with formerly incarcerated individuals, many shared how education helped them reintegrate successfully into society. Initiatives to provide access to education in prisons, such as Partakers college programs, and digital learning resources, have significantly reduced recidivism rates. Some may question the need to offer free college education to incarcerated individuals when so many law-abiding citizens face staggering student debt. However, investing in educational resources within the prison system ultimately saves taxpayer money by reducing crime rates and the need for continued incarceration.

Beyond the prison system, education’s impact is visible in  ingenuity, such as the kind I witnessed during a trip to Kolkata, India. There, some of the world’s poorest individuals displayed remarkable creativity, crafting tools and solutions from discarded materials i.e. trash. That experience confirmed what I have observed repeatedly: talent and potential are universal, but opportunity is not. If everyone had access to a robust education, we would see a world that benefits from the full spectrum of human potential. Yet here at home, disparities in educational resources, especially between private and public schools, remain stark.

When I toured schools seeking the best fit for my daughter, I saw firsthand the shocking differences. While one public school teacher proudly showed off a new chemistry lab, some private schools had entire science buildings, golf courses, marinas, championship-level sports facilities, and performing arts theaters. However, it wasn’t these amenities that guaranteed success. Rather, it was the relationships students formed with dedicated, caring adults. In these schools, students had multiple opportunities to build connections with mentors who motivated, guided, and believed in them. This support network made the difference between simply attending a school and truly engaging with their education. Every child, regardless of background, deserves this level of support and encouragement.

This principle has been a guiding force in my career. I once managed an afterschool program called “Victory Generation,” which aimed to provide students from low-income neighborhoods with the resources and support they needed to excel academically. Through tutoring, homework help, and coordination between parents and teachers, we witnessed remarkable transformations. Students who started out performing below grade level were able to progress and even reach advanced standing over time. This experience reaffirmed my belief that a caring adult can be the difference between a student who thrives and one who falls through the cracks.

In addition to traditional paths like college, it’s essential to recognize that not all students will follow that route, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Today, there are lucrative opportunities in advanced manufacturing, technology, skilled trades and military service, that don’t require a college degree but a strong foundation in subjects like math. Unfortunately, too few students realize that the algebra equations they’re struggling through today could be the key to a successful career tomorrow. This is another area where mentorship is vital. Students deserve to understand the real-world applications of their education and how it can lead to meaningful work.

Ensuring that every student has at least one caring adult to advocate for them should be a national priority. By investing in these programs, we’re not only helping individuals but also strengthening our communities and our economy.

If we are to truly believe in the promise of equality, then we must commit to education as a civil right. It’s not about a luxury of opportunity but the necessity of it. This goes beyond the walls of classrooms and reaches into every aspect of society, shaping futures and building a foundation for all children to reach their full potential.

Ed Gaskin is Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and founder of Sunday Celebrations.