As American Education Week begins, it’s time to honor the educators and staff supporting our public schools. But beyond recognition, this week offers a chance to reflect on the critical relationship between K-12 education, gender equity, and economic growth—especially for working mothers.
Access to quality early education directly influences a mother’s ability to thrive professionally. When these programs are effective, mothers can shift their focus from compensating for gaps in childcare and education to advancing their careers. The result is a talent pool of highly skilled, motivated women contributing more meaningfully to their organizations.
However, the current state of America’s K-12 education system creates barriers for many families, disproportionately affecting working mothers.
Education As A Barrier To Gender Equity
Working mothers in states with robust public early education programs are better positioned to maintain full-time jobs and pursue promotions. On the other hand, working mothers in areas lacking such programs must consider investing in childcare education solutions (care outside school hours for tutoring and academic support), reducing their work hours, or leaving the workforce entirely. This stunts career progression and suppresses long-term earning potential.
Women, particularly mothers, also often face the stereotype of being less committed to their roles, leading to fewer promotions and lower pay compared to their male counterparts or child-free peers. “Working mothers already face what is known as the motherhood penalty—conscious and unconscious biases that lead to wage gaps and fewer advancement opportunities,” explains Erin Souza-Rezendes, Vice President of Global Communications for Catalyst. “In fact, a woman’s earning power drops by 4% for every child she has. The challenge of balancing career progression and parenthood weighs heavily on women. In a survey Catalyst fielded last year, 67% of women were concerned that their childcare responsibilities would negatively affect their career.”
Why Education Matters For Employers
Many companies haven’t recognized that investing in K-12 education should be a strategic HR imperative. But the K-12 education system impacts companies too, due to the loss of valuable workforce participation and productivity.
Research from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine demonstrates that high-quality early education benefits children and parents, resulting in better student academic outcomes and higher earning potential for mothers. This reduces financial stress, improves workplace focus, and enhances productivity—all of which contribute to organizational success.
“Investing in K-12 education is a strategic economic decision,” says Jorge Elorza, CEO of Education Reform Now. “High-quality early education enables parents to participate fully in the labor market, boosting productivity and driving economic growth. Research consistently shows that every dollar invested in early education generates around $7 in economic returns.”
Supporting early education policies isn’t just charitable for companies—it’s a smart business move. Employers that advocate for better K-12 education systems benefit from a more stable and engaged workforce. Improved access to early education bolsters retention, reduces absenteeism, and positions organizations to attract and retain top talent.
Human resources departments are uniquely positioned to champion policies that strengthen K-12 education. By aligning corporate goals with education advocacy, HR leaders can drive workforce retention, create equitable opportunities, and enhance productivity. This also signals to employees—mainly working mothers—that their challenges are understood and supported.
“Driving gender equity in the workplace is about fixing systems, not fixing women,” Souza-Rezendes emphasizes. Investing in K-12 education is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive workforce. It empowers working mothers to advance their careers without sacrificing their children’s development, fostering a more engaged and diverse employee base.
Public-Private Collaboration to Transform K-12 Education
America’s resource-strapped K-12 education system leaves many families behind, particularly in underfunded districts. This inequality forces private solutions onto families who can afford them, exacerbating disparities and putting low-income families at a disadvantage. Reforming this system is essential, not only for children’s futures but for the broader economic landscape.
The Biden-Harris Administration has highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in improving education access. “The federal government plays a critical role in ensuring access to high-quality, affordable opportunities for children, no matter their zip code,” explains Shital C. Shah, Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Education. “The private sector can provide stability, champion what research shows works, and meaningfully support all children.”
Companies have a vested interest in advocating for these reforms. By engaging in public-private partnerships and investing in education policies, businesses can ensure a pipeline of skilled workers for the future while enabling parents to participate fully in the labor force today.
Reforming the K-12 education landscape requires collaboration between policymakers, educators, and businesses. It’s not just a moral responsibility but a strategic economic imperative. Reliable early education empowers families, strengthens communities, and ensures companies can thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
“Education is not simply about empowerment; it’s an economic necessity,” adds Elorza. “High-quality early education builds the foundation of our future workforce while enabling parents to contribute fully to the economy. The return on investment is undeniable.”