According to americanprogress.org, lack of funding means an inability to invest in what matters for students. Funding is needed in schools to buy more than just textbooks. Schools need proper funding to allocate the maintenance of the building, regulation codes, support staff, extracurricular activities, technology, supplies, meal plans and teacher pay. Not only does lack of funding have an effect on a student’s academic progress, it also has an effect on students psychologically. The lack of these resources can have a negative impact on student progress. For example, if a school lacked funds for things such as extracurricular activities, supplies or support staff, or if the school appeared as if it were not being taken care of physically, it could leave a bad impression on a student that their school, educators, or community members do not care about them. If schools across the nation were funded equitably, students and educators would benefit emotionally, mentally and physically. Lack of funding is one of the largest barriers that stands between American students and an equitable education.