"Grow as individuals, grow as a community."
- Freda G. Sampson, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
​

---

The youth are the nucleus of a neighborhood, therefore decent education is vital for both individual and community development.  So, if we look at Dunbar High School in Jonestown, how does the school fare?

Dunbar High is rated a 4 out of 10, with 10 being the best score.  Looking at the poverty levels in Jonestown, the areas closest to Little Italy have 20-30% of families living in poverty, while further north 60-80% of residents are impoverished.  Do poor school districts possess lower test scores, thus less opportunity for individuals to prosper?

Comparing test scores for Dunbar High and a Howard County suburban school, River Hill, the differences are alarming, especially the College Readiness Index. 

​However, Dunbar does show promise; the graduation rate is 92% while River Hill's is only slightly higher at 98%. 
​
​With more resources, could local schools improve in other testing areas?

What about the minority business profile of Jonestown?
​

According to the Maryland state government, only five businesses in Jonestown are owned by a minority, with three of the five also being owned by a woman.  The minority business owners are mostly all located on the same block on East Baltimore Street. 

Socioeconomic factors affect education.  Diminishing poverty, increasing school resources, and supporting minority businesses are key for community wealth.
​