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"As demonstrations against the unequal concentration of wealth in the United States ratchet up, research provides a statistical look at that distribution: The number of people living in poverty has increased; where the poor live is changing; and the faces of those struggling to make ends meet are becoming more Latino, elderly and working-class."

"It's a shocking development. Not only do low-income students typically fare worse than the average on such exams, but also the gap between Georgia students and low-income Florida students was still large nine years ago."

"Some experts had expected a bigger increase in debt given the gloomy economy, but increased financial aid at some schools partially offset the hit for low-income students and those at pricier colleges."

"Roughly two-thirds of the class of 2010 borrowed for college, and they were hit especially hard because the unemployment rate for new college graduates stood at 9.1 percent the year they graduated though that's less than half the rate for counterparts who only have a high school degree."

"Last week, the Obama administration announced new programs to ease the repayment of student loans, changing the income-based repayment program next year to allow lower monthly payments and shorter durations for low-income borrowers, and offering a slightly lower interest rate to some borrowers who consolidate their loans."

"At Rosa Parks Elementary, for example, low-income and black students are reading better, apparently because of a laser-like focus on the subject.Teachers ensure that every child has books that not only fit their interests but their skill, which is often far below grade level. After-school programs and volunteers also help students read, said Principal Paul Jacobse"

"For low-income students, programs receive about $2.30, and $2.78 for the poorest population. The low-income figures are so high in about 20 Boston schools, administrators can provide free breakfasts and lunches."

"With some nutrition experts rallying to the Obama administration's side, the battle is shaping up as a contentious and complicated fight involving lawmakers from farm states and large low-income urban areas that rely on the program, which fed some 30 million children last year with free or subsidized meals. "

"`One of the problems with poverty is your world gets so small,' said Anne Teschner, who directs the center. `But once they catch the fire, they're off.'''

"A program that helps Wausau-area low-income students prepare for college will continue thanks to another round of federal grant funding."

"The data, released by federal officials on Tuesday, also showed mixed results for Louisiana over the long term in narrowing the chasm between test scores of white and black students, as well as those from low-income vs. middle class backgrounds."

"An estimated 75 percent of the South Philadelphia children Fleisher serves live at or below the federal poverty line, and close to 50 percent speak English as a second language, Braun said."