Poverty has become a very important yet emotional issue for many Americans. Americans are suffering from poverty now more than ever. Just from living in America and watching the news I can see that poverty is a major importance for the American society to focus on.

         The first time I really encountered poverty and the meaning behind it was when I went to Baltimore, Maryland. Seeing homeless people lying around the streets and asking for money was depressing. It was difficult to realize that America, a superpower, also dealt with poverty.

         In 2003, thirty-six million Americans lived in poverty. This meant that an individual was living with less that $9,000. When there are individuals working two jobs trying to make ends meet and are still in the poverty section, there is something wrong with that.

        There are many things being done to help reduce the poverty level in America. For example, there is a new program called Gateway to College which is a program for high school drop outs. This program aims to help young adolescents pursue a successful life. There is a Step-Up program being held in Savannah, GA which is aimed at sponsoring the city to make citizens aware of poverty.

       I think by researching poverty I will learn a lot about my country and be able to compare statistics with other countries. I also feel that this research will encourage me to learn new ways to help become involved with reducing poverty in America.