Melinda Gates, center, looks on as students work on computers at the Bronx Engineering and Technology Academy, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In the background, Bill Gates talks to a teacher.
(ABC News)More Photos
Gates has devoted much of her time over the years to raising her children, Jennifer, 12, Rory, 9, and Phoebe, 6.
She hopes her philanthropic efforts will teach her kids about fighting passionately for what they believe in.
She said she wants to teach them to "be strong, speak up, really know who you are."
Gates is determined to make sure educators in this country believe that kids in every neighborhood can shine.
"Letting them be a citizen and participate in this ... great country that we have," she said.
"And there are days it feels daunting, absolutely. Particularly when you look at the dropout numbers, and when you look at what's not serving the students in the United States well. But then there are other times, you know, days like these when you're in a small school like this and it's exhilarating because you see the possibility. And it's the possibility that makes us keep working on this."
Click here to find out more about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation education strategy.
Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.
