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New York State
A Tale of Two Realities

About the Film:

NYSUT’s timely  film, 1-in-5, explores the stark reality of childhood poverty in New York. In it, educators from around the state share stories about students confronting poverty in urban, rural, and suburban communities. The film also shows to what lengths educators are going every day to help address poverty's effects on their students and explores some of the most promising policy approaches to addressing this deep and systemic problem.

New York state is one of the wealthiest regions in the world — a global leader in industry, finance and innovation.

Yet, 2.7 million New Yorkers live in poverty. They lack access to housing, food, healthcare, and opportunities.

The Other New York State
The Prosperous New York State

WORST OF ALL

1 in 5

NEW YORK CHILDREN LIVE IN POVERTY

That's

760862 Children

CHILDHOOD POVERTY IN NY IS WORSE THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

Despite being one of the richest and most prosperous states, New York’s child poverty rate exceeds that of the US as a whole. There’s no excuse for this, but there are fixable reasons.

The high rate of childhood poverty doesn’t just affect poor families and children; it affects entire communities.

NYS RANKS 34TH IN THE US IN EFFORTS TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD POVERTY.

National Average : 16.7%

16.7/18.1

New York: 18.1%

18.1/18.1

THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN CARRY THE BURDEN OF POVERTY WITH THEM INTO SCHOOLS.

Health issues

stemming from a non-nutritional diet, lack of food, or the inability to receive medical treatment for illnesses.

Homelessness

and the fear and uncertainty of living without a fixed address.

Limited or no resources

outside of school to complete homework, study, or engage in activities that equip them for academic success.

Lack of basic necessities

like hygiene products and clean clothing

Increased stress

from the shame and stigma that surround their circumstances

TWO THIRDS OF FACTORS THAT AFFECT A CHILD’S LEARNING AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OCCUR OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

If a child is coming from an unstable home, or is coming to school hungry, sick or tired because they lack resources, this has a profound negetive effect on their ability to learn and, their potential and their outcomes.
POVERTY IS NOT INEVITABLE