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The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2017 Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children report addresses the well-being of children of color and children from immigrant families.The data show racial and ethnic disparities between children by measuring 12 indicators and produce an index score to show varying access to opportunity for each group of children.

Nebraska is home to 329,669 Non-Hispanic, White children. Non-Hispanic, White children had the overall highest index score of 763 and displayed the greatest level of opportunity in the following nine indicators:

• Babies born at a normal birthweight 2015: 94% – Children who are born at a normal rate are at lower risk of dying in their first year and are less likely to develop disabilities. The environment of pregnancy can affect birthweight; conditions of risk include poverty, stress, violence, and etc.
• Children, 4th graders, who scored at or above proficient in reading 2015: 48% -. Children who are trained to read and write at a young age are more likely to develop their skills and be academically successful.
• Children, 8th graders, who scored at or above proficient in math 2015: 46% -The performance of children on standardized tests and in school often reflects the resources children have to higher education. Children who do well on math tests have a better foundation to building successful careers and lives.
• Teenagers, ages 15 to 19, who delay childbearing until adulthood 2015: 97% -Delaying childbearing increases the chances of teenagers pursuing a secondary education and career. Teenagers who are forced into parenthood have difficulty providing basic needs for themselves and their children because of economic instability.
• Young adults graduating high school on time 2014-2015: 93% – Graduating high school is on time is the stepping stone to academic success and pursuing a secondary education. Students who graduate on time are more likely to be productive and contribute within their communities.
• Young adults, ages 19 to 26, who are in school or working 2013-2015: 93% – Having the opportunity to achieve and education and work is essential to learning professional skills that are important for finding successful jobs. Building a skillset will lead to higher salaries and more economic stability.
• Children, ages 0 to 17, who lives with a householder who has at least a high school degree: 97% – Children who live with a parent, with at least a high school degree, are more likely to reach academic goals and have better opportunities later in life.
• Children, ages 0 to 17, living above 200% poverty 2013-2015: 71% – Poverty can be an inhibitor of success due to extra stressors like limited resources economically and educationally. Children from high income families, in contrast, are more likely to score higher on cognitive tests and graduate high school on time.
• Children, ages 0 to 17, who live in low poverty areas (poverty < 20%) 2011-2015: 90% – Living in a high poverty neighborhood means more exposure to violence and crime. Financial insecurity negatively impacts children’s schools, education, resources, and afterschool programs.

In the remaining three indicators, Non Hispanic White children did not score the lowest and their scores are relatively high in comparison to other groups.

• Children, ages 3 to 5, enrolled in nursery school, preschool, or kindergarten 2013-2015: 56% – Early childhood education constructs a path to success and assists with brain development and skill building. Children who are enrolled in school at a young age are more likely to pursue a higher education and then earn high incomes in stable jobs.
• Children, ages 0 to 17, who live in a two-parent families 2013-2015: 82% – Living in a two parent family is associated with having more economic, educational, and emotional resources. These children are more likely to succeed than children in single-family households.
• Young adults, ages 25-29, who have completed an associate’s degree or higher 2013-2015: 55% – Achieving a post-secondary education opens doors to valuable employment opportunities. These young adults are more likely to be economically stable in their futures.  

Thank you to taking the time to share!