At its best, our education system nurtures students to become lifelong learners in safe, supportive classrooms where they discover themselves, grow as community members, and explore meaningful post-secondary opportunities. Unfortunately, our region's current reality falls short of this ideal, with absenteeism, academic proficiency, and graduation rates among the worst in the nation. More youth are experiencing mental health crises, trauma, and poverty, especially in DC, where over one in three Black children live below the poverty line. The shrinking pool of teachers and the stress on those who remain only makes the challenge greater. Local nonprofits have their work cut out for them: ensuring that all students have places to address unfinished learning, meet with tutors and mentors after school and in the summer, and connect with the services they need – for food and housing, mental health, college access, and a range of other supports. Meet the local heroes who make sure kids can thrive.