California

"'The problem I have is that the argument of loss of service is not based on fact,' Campos said. 'We have identified specific funding that is meant for low-income youth, for gas emissions, and other factors that can be used for this.'"

"Although approval is expected, the sticking point is whether the perk should be limited to low-income youths or be extended to everyone ages 5 to 17. Children under 5 already ride free.A well-organized contingent of students, parents and community activists, backed by the progressive flank of the Board of Supervisors and by the Board of Education, argues that free transit for all youths is about equity and would do more to promote the city's transit-first policy while grooming a new generation of transit riders. "

"So why are black and Latino students suspended more often than white students? The report, which analyzed U.S. Department of Education data, drew no conclusions. But Losen said he does not believe poverty is the reason. He said other studies have shown that the gap between the suspension rates of whites and minorities can be found at schools in communities of every income level."

"Head Start is a tremendous asset to Monterey County. A federally funded early-childhood program, Head Start serves low-income families. But it has been under the microscope since 2007, when Congress passed a law aimed at weeding out Head Start centers that weren't up to par."

"Zyheema and her sister, Zakiyyah, 4, have joined neighborhood children in a nine-week dance class at the Harvey Milk Center for Recreational Arts. The Dancing Daisies classes, which normally cost $64 each, will be free for the homeless sisters, courtesy of a new program through the Children of Shelters."

"Because of a federal budget cut, tens of thousands of low-income high school students will face steeper price tags for their Advanced Placement exams this May -- forcing many to scramble to meet costs and others to forgo exams that could save thousands in college tuition."