> Their parents can't afford a laptop? They can't afford an Internet connection? The kids don't have a good place to learn in their house? They don't have time?
All of the above, and it's surprising this isn't obvious. It may be hard to notice or internalize if you've never seen it and only know privilege, but possession of all or even some of those things is not a guarantee for everyone. Believe it or not, there are some who don't come home to a computer, caring (or even existent!) parents, stable meals, or free time.
Thanks for clarifying the context of your question. Very helpful, and changes the tone completely.
1/2 of the people in the U.S. "don't pay taxes", that is, don't make enough money to owe taxes. So that's one issue. I mentor a hispanic kid who's mother's English was so weak and her knowledge of 'the system' so weak, that she couldn't take advantage of programs to provide used computers to her kids, or low-cost Internet access to her household. And the $10/month for low-cost Internet access WAS out of reach. 10 people in a two bedroom apartment was also their norm.
All of the above, and it's surprising this isn't obvious. It may be hard to notice or internalize if you've never seen it and only know privilege, but possession of all or even some of those things is not a guarantee for everyone. Believe it or not, there are some who don't come home to a computer, caring (or even existent!) parents, stable meals, or free time.