I support amending gifted education program regulations in order to effectively address underrepresentation of minority and low income students in Virginia schools.

As a college advisor, I recognize both the immense talents and weaknesses in my students. Many of them were not fortunate enough to be able to enter in or become knowledgeable about specialty academic programs that would enable them to be on par with their more affluent peers. 

Underrepresentation of minorities and low income students in gifted education contributes to the already dire achievement gap between high and low resource communities. Every child who has talent, interest, and a will to advance him or herself academically should at least have access to opportunities that would aid in such an endeavor. 

Within low income communities, access to specialty educational programs can literally mean the difference between life and death.