The Alhambra Source 2020 Census Storytelling Contest, co-sponsored by the Alhambra Unified School District, was created to educate local students on the importance of this year’s count and give them the tools to spark census engagement in their own network. In highlighting the stories of our eight Census Ambassadors, students are given an opportunity to illustrate their unique point of view on a foundational part of community funding.

This week’s story, “2020 Census: Everyone Matters!” by Sophia Covarrubias, is authored by a fifth-grade student at Fremont Elementary. Sophia is the 2nd Place winner in the 3rd-5th Grade Category.

We will be publishing one of the winning entries every Thursday for the next seven weeks.

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2020 Census: Everyone Matters!

By Sophia Covarrubias

Have you submitted your answers to the 2020 census? Do you know what the census is? The census is a survey that people take every ten years. The census asks important questions like, “How many people live in your household?” or “Do your children go to a public or private school?” You should take the census  because it helps the government know how much money should go into state funding, how much medical supplies are needed, and because everyone counts. The 2020 Census rocks!

One reason the census is important is because it helps the government know how much money each state in the U.S.A should get based on its population. State funding is money that the government provides for basic necessities to our community such as money for public schools.

This results in less money for the essentials that each town needs such as public schools, public transportation, and roads. Remember a time when you were riding your bike and noticed a dangerous crack in the sidewalk? If you take the census you could easily resolve this problem and get the sidewalks fixed. If you noticed lots of garbage at your community park the census money could help organize a park clean-up. If you care about your community you should definitely take the census!

The second reason why you should take the 2020 census is because during uncertain times like the current pandemic, the census money could help buy more ventilators and medical beds for people infected with COVID-19. If you take the census then there is a better probability that your community hospitals will be prepared to provide you with the best medical care.  If you have an elderly grandparent in your household,  chances are they might need medical care and the census can ensure they get the medical care they deserve. Turn in the census, it’s in your interest!

The third and final reason why the census is important is because WE ALL COUNT.  Modern technology makes taking the census easy; you can take the census anywhere, at any time. The census even creates new jobs.  Many 911 emergency systems are based on maps developed from the last census. Some of the benefits of taking the census is that we can help decide how millions of dollars in funding are spent. You might have a frail grandma that needs to live in an assisted living home or a small child that needs daycare. The census dollars can help build more old-folks homes for people like your grandparents and open more daycare centers for children. It doesn’t matter who you are because we all count.

The 2020 census matters for everyone living in the San Gabriel Valley. It helps the government know how much money should go into state funding, how much medical supplies are needed, especially during these times, and because everyone counts. Taking the census is not hard. WE ALL COUNT no matter who we are. Take the 2020 census today.