Welcome to my first episode of Coffee Talk. My name is Destiny Moreno, and I’m a student at Pomona High School, Class of 2025. Today, I want to talk about the socioeconomic achievement gap in California—an issue that has persisted for decades but is often overlooked.

According to the California School Dashboard, 61% of California’s 5.8 million students are socioeconomically disadvantaged—about six out of ten students. Since 2017, data has consistently shown a clear correlation between socioeconomic status and academic achievement. For instance:

English Language Arts: Only 36% of low-income eighth-graders met or exceeded state standards, compared to 68% of their higher-income peers.
Math: Similarly, performance gaps exist across grade levels, with low-income students consistently scoring lower than their non-low-income counterparts.
Graduation Rate for Low-Income Students: 79% vs. 94% for higher-income students (2022).
College Enrollment Rate: 52% for low-income students vs. 81% for higher-income students.

These disparities reflect systemic challenges—insufficient funding, outdated resources, and under-resourced schools—that are particularly evident in communities like Pomona. At Pomona High School, 95% of students are identified as socioeconomically disadvantaged, and 21.1% are identified as homeless. In English courses, Pomona High School students score 15% lower than the state average. In math courses, students score 25% lower than the state average. In science courses, students score 12% lower than the state average. These systemic issues harm individual students and reduce the potential of future workers, ultimately weakening the U.S. economy.

Additionally, minority students are disproportionately affected. Many minority groups face higher poverty rates than white students, making them more vulnerable to the challenges of low socioeconomic status. College readiness ratings differ for each ethnicity at PHS. Eighty-six percent of students at the school are Hispanic, and seven out of ten students are not getting the help they need to succeed. Six percent are Black students, and four out of ten students are not getting the help they need to succeed. Addressing this gap is essential to fostering equity and unlocking the full potential of all students in California.

Yet, I want to emphasize that while these statistics show the challenges, they don’t define our potential. As a student in a low-income household, I see this data as a starting point, not the finish line. I believe anyone can achieve their goals, whether that’s earning a high school diploma, attending college, or pursuing vocational training. In Pomona, I’ve seen firsthand how our community steps up to support students and families like mine.

Resources for Low-Income Families Offered in Pomona

God’s Pantry: Offers free food distributions.
Pomona Inland Valley Hope Partners: Provides food pantries and meal programs.
Pomona Community Health Center: Assists with medical care for low-income individuals.
Catholic Charities San Gabriel Region: Offers financial aid for essential expenses.
Pomona Housing Authority: Offers Section 8 vouchers and rental assistance programs.
Union Station Homeless Services: Provides support for homeless individuals and families.
Hope for Home Shelter: Offers free clothing to those in need.
Salvation Army Pomona Corps: Provides low-cost and free clothing through donations.

Student Resources

Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) Student Resources: Offers tutoring, after-school programs, and counseling.
Boys & Girls Club of Pomona Valley: Provides homework help, mentoring, and enrichment programs.
PUSD Career Readiness Program: Helps students explore vocational training, internships, and career paths.
Cal Poly Pomona Educational Talent Search: Assists students with college applications, FAFSA, and scholarships.

Mental Health Resources

Tri-City Mental Health Center: Provides counseling and mental health services for students and families.
Pomona Wellness Community: Offers workshops and support groups for emotional well-being.

Extracurricular Activities

Pomona Public Library: Hosts educational workshops, free computer access, and student programs.
Pomona YMCA: Offers youth sports, leadership training, and academic enrichment programs.

Schools and communities are stepping up to provide essential resources. After-school programs, college counseling, and scholarship opportunities are available to help students overcome barriers. But these resources only work if students and families take advantage of them. In Pomona, I’ve seen students balancing late-night study sessions, family responsibilities, and part-time jobs. I’ve been one of those students. But I’ve also seen how, with the right mindset and the support of our community, it’s possible to overcome these challenges.

The achievement gap is real, but it is not an excuse. Success depends on discipline, effort, and the willingness to pursue your goals. Resources and community programs can help, but your dreams ultimately depend on the effort and time you put in. Pomona is proof that even in a low-income community, students can thrive with determination and support. Whether your dream is college, vocational training, or simply graduating high school, success is within reach. Let’s work together to bridge the gap and build a brighter future for all students in Pomona. For resources and support, visit the [website link] in the description box. Together, we can show the world what’s possible when a community believes in its students.

Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have exhibited their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds, photo essays, and film shorts for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher Mr. Hangan to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.