The Cost of Deinvestment: Why Federal Cuts Threaten Our Community’s Future
By Elena Maina
I’ll never forget the feeling of being caught by a net. Growing up in a family rich with love but lean on resources, my teenage years were tricky. Intelligence and athletic ability opened some doors, but the stark reality of limited income slammed many others shut. It would have been easy for a student like me to sink under these circumstances, but instead, a net of support caught me. Thanks to free school lunches, I thrived as an athlete. A subsidized home allowed my mother to pursue her college dreams, and my own higher education was supported by Pell Grants and AmeriCorps stipends. This safety net didn’t just save me; it transformed my life.
Unfortunately, drastic federal cuts threaten to tear holes in this safety net, leaving countless individuals and families at risk of falling through. Adding to these concerns, the executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education signals a potential shift in federal support for public schools. This highlights the urgent need for strong state and local leadership to ensure that all students, especially those facing significant barriers, continue to have access to vital resources and protections. But we are not powerless. Through collective action, we can—and must—reinforce this support system. Doing so will improve all of our lives.
Why This Matters to Everyone
I have the privilege of leading Student U, a local educational nonprofit that supports first-generation college-bound students and their families across Durham and central North Carolina. Over the past 17 years, we’ve proudly maintained a 100% high school graduation rate, achieved a 90% postsecondary acceptance rate, and celebrated a 46% college graduation rate — two times the national average for students from similar backgrounds. These achievements are made possible by the safety net of key organizations—nonprofits, universities, and research institutions that invest in our collective future. It’s not a handout; it’s a strategic investment. Medical breakthroughs, sound education, a skilled workforce – these are the cornerstones of a prosperous and just society. When these foundations crumble, we all pay the price.
This is not a hypothetical threat—it’s an imminent crisis. More than 2,600 grants at Triangle universities could be disrupted, putting critical research at risk (Charlotte Observer). In Durham, FHI 360 has already furloughed 36% of its U.S. staff due to federal cuts (News & Observer). But beyond job losses, the impact on children and families is staggering. Despite making up 23% of the U.S. population, children received just 8.87% of the federal budget in FY 2024—a sharp decline from nearly 12% in FY 2021 (First Focus on Children, Children’s Budget 2024). Research consistently shows that investments in children yield immense long-term benefits, yet their needs continue to be deprioritized.
If the proposed budget resolution moves forward, 24,000 schools nationwide could lose the ability to provide no-cost meals to all students. Free meal programs have been proven to increase participation, improve student diets, enhance food security, and support both physical and mental health, all while reducing stress and stigma. These are not just numbers—this is about our neighbors, our children, and our shared future. When one of us is at risk, we all are.
A Call to Action, Not Just Charity
This is the perfect opportunity for individuals and private philanthropy to step up with strategic financial investment. Supporting education, research, and human development are investments in our community’s soul. By stabilizing the ripple effects of federal reductions, we can protect what makes our nation exceptional: our commitment to innovation and human potential. Private philanthropy isn’t just about large foundations or corporations; it’s about each of us—individuals like you and me—coming together to make a lasting impact.
How You Can Be a Lifeline
As Student U launches our annual fundraiser, we are calling on our community to stand with us to strengthen the safety net of public and private support. This is not just about sustaining our organization; it’s about fortifying the entire ecosystem of support that upholds our community. Investing in our collective future means empowering the organizations that unite us. We encourage you to explore and support the partners who collaborate with us in this crucial work. See a full list of our W.G. Pearson Center partners here.
The future of our community, the very fabric of our society, hangs in the balance. We don’t have to stand idly by as this support net unravels. By standing together, we can weave a stronger, more resilient future for all.
Elena Maina is a longtime educator, public school advocate, and proud DPS parent, currently serving as Student U’s Interim Executive Director.
