In today's world people have to compete globally for jobs and one of the most important factors in getting a well-paid job is education. However, even the best schools fail to overcome some of the obstacles placed in front of students who walk through their doors. Poverty, chaotic home environments, discrepancies in exposure to technology, and lack of funding for schools negatively impact the effort to educate children. In today's economic environment, even the wealthiest states and districts are being forced to cut education funding, while districts that were already teetering on the brink now find themselves in an even worse position. In some schools, children face lack of books, copy paper, severe overcrowding and even collapsing buildings. While there isn't funding available to correct all of the problems plaguing these districts, one of the things that is increasing is the use of the federal school breakfast program. Educators have always agreed that students learn best when they are not hungry and have started doing things like free breakfast for all or bagged breakfasts for all. These practices not only increase students' ability to learn, but also free up resources in low- and middle-income families as they do not need to spend money on a balanced breakfast (Bartfield, Ahn). Today's world is full of technology; cell phones, computers and e-readers. It is well known that children who are exposed to technology at a young age are better able to incorporate it into everyday life. Although the cost of computers, cell phones and other electronic gadgets has decreased significantly in recent years, it still remains a cost that many low-income and school-deprived families......the next generation will become productive citizens. Works Cited Bartfeld, J., & Ahn, H.. (2011). The school breakfast program strengthens the food security of low-income families with elementary school children1,2. The Journal of Nutrition, 141(3), 470-475. Retrieved May 29, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2286254951).Cleaver, S.. (2011, July). Schools to the rescue. Instructor (1999), 120(6), 43-45,47. Retrieved May 29, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2341176431).de Vise, D., & Writer, WPS (2008, September 4). County SAT scores decline again as racial gap widens; The West cites growing economic diversity. The Washington Post, pp. GZ10.Jones, M., & Canada, G.. (September 2009). A different kind of preparatory school. New York Times Magazine, 42-45,57. Retrieved May 29, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1873513371).