Meredith: Childhood poverty is no new thing, but has been an area of concern in the United States for years. According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 1 in 5 children live in poverty which results in about 16 million kids living in poverty in the US.  Childhood poverty is widespread and can range across ethnic groups, genders, and states. The data provided in the Census answers the so what question and reveals that childhood poverty is a large problem and an ongoing problem. While childhood poverty tends to be more prevalent in certain minority groups, in general it can be found across states genders and ethnic groups making the problem even more widespread. This problem is important as the evidence shows how living in poverty can be detrimental to children both during childhood and beyond. Poverty can affect every aspect of child development. According to a statement under the National Child Poverty Act and Child Poverty Strategy, the US government finds this problem to be important and it is something they want to focus on. The widespread nature of childhood poverty and the detrimental effects it has make the problem one to care about.

Hope: Poverty is defined as living below the federal poverty line which is set according to family size (family of 4 approx $24,000).

Brenda: 
Research Questions: