Stage 2: Define

Initial Define Statement

Students in underfunded schools lack equitable access to resources and opportunities, making it difficult for them to fully engage in learning and reach their academic potential.

Affinity Map

Overcrowded and Limited Support

Large class sizes
Harder to get individual help from teachers
Teachers are “stretched thin” despite effort

Reduced Opportunities

Fewer clubs and extracurriculars
Limited access to special programs and field trips
Fewer course options (e.g., coding, labs, arts)

Learning Impact

Learning feels slower and more difficult
Broken or outdated tools interrupt lessons
Students feel they are “doing the best with less”

Inequity Awareness

Awareness that other schools have better resources
Perception that location determines quality of education
Recognition that the situation is “not really fair”

Point of View Statement

A student in an underfunded school needs access to reliable resources, smaller class support, and diverse learning opportunities because their current environment limits both their ability to succeed academically and explore their interests.

How Might We?

How might we create equitable access to educational resources and opportunities so that students in underfunded schools can fully engage in their learning and achieve their potential?

Persona

Name: Jordan Ramirez
Demographic: Jordan is 12 years old and attends the 7th Grade at the underfunded Challenger Middle School in Florida. Most of his academic resources and extra curricular opportunities come from school as he lives with a single parent who works full time.
Goals and Motivations: Jordan values his teachers and wants to perform well for them. He cares about his academics, but sometimes struggles with staying on top of his schoolwork. He often feels overwhelmed. He would love to someday have a career in technology, art, or science.
Pain Points: Overcrowded classrooms and unreliable technology make it difficult for Jordan to get the one-on-one help that he sometimes needs. He is interested in joining clubs to pursue his interests but can't help but notice that other schools have much nicer clubs and opportunities. He doesn't want to ask his mom to drive him to a school he is not zoned too, so he tries to stay positive
Quote“It feels like we’re doing the best we can with less… but it shouldn’t depend on where you live to get a good education.”