Two years after the WHO declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic, we pledge continued advocacy, especially for underserved students

It’s almost unfathomable to believe that two years ago this month, the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 as a global pandemic – and that America’s students are now in their third school year of this worldwide health crisis and interrupted learning.

During and since that time, The Education Trust-Midwest, along with our partners, marshalled our resources and quickly mobilized to advocate for Michigan’s students, especially the most underserved, so they have opportunities to not only catch up, but accelerate.

Our tireless work included advocacy on food stability and pandemic food assistance; honest information for parents, educators and stakeholders so they would know and be able to address the impact of interrupted learning; and greater investment in solution-based strategies, including quality expanded learning opportunities and targeted, high dosage tutoring.

We are proud to have worked alongside passionate advocates to focus public dialogue on making sure that students with the greatest needs did not suffer the most amid budget cuts. And we strongly advocated – and continue to push — for a system of fair school funding in Michigan, which has one of the most unfair funding systems in the nation.

As we look toward a post-pandemic future, we are grateful that our fellow equity advocates – and our growing coalition – remain strongly committed to continuing to leverage their voices and networks to fight for all Michigan students, but especially those with the greatest needs.

And as the pandemic’s impacts come into sharper focus, we pledge to continue this work so that every Michigan child, no matter their neighborhood, race, or family income, will have opportunities to catch up and excel now and in the future.

-The Education Trust-Midwest team