Your childhood neighborhood shouldn’t determine your future success. The American Dream is predicated on the belief that anyone, if they work hard enough, can succeed and lift themselves beyond the circumstances of their birth. We’ve seen time and again that talent and ambition exist in every zip code, yet opportunities are not as liberally distributed.
From an early age, children who have less, need more. We know when we invest in children early, they thrive, and when we give them new opportunities to shine, they will. It is inspiring to see the efforts that the city of Albany is making to address the achievement gap for its youngest residents. We know that there are also efforts underway to support young people preparing for college and careers. We applaud those too.
Starting our children off with a firm foundation is absolutely critical, but continuing and expanding on the opportunities as they grow cannot be overlooked. Offering young people in every neighborhood the consistent advice and support of a caring adult, the experience to visit a college or job site, and educational opportunities that help them to engage with real-world challenges are the blueprints for a successful life and a thriving community. We know this. We know that a college degree is a key indicator of future economic success, personal health and civic engagement. Now more than ever, each of us must be responsible for all of us. We’re all neighbors, and we all have a part to play in our children’s futures. There are many ways that every one of us can take an active role in our community, with so many organizations doing good work for our young people.
In my work at a regional college access program, I speak to many local teenagers who live in neighborhoods that have been left behind by economic development. They see the money pouring in to build new buildings, and they see the state of their part of the city. They don’t mince words. They know the limitations afforded by their surroundings. Most of these students are the first in their families to go to college. It’s an uphill climb in every sense. It’s our job to help them see beyond these boundaries and barriers, and to help them recognize their strengths and skills. It’s hard, necessary work. Work that changes lives, families, and neighborhoods.
It is an honor and a privilege to witness each student’s journey as they excel in college and beyond. In 2020, we will celebrate our 300th college graduate, an important milestone. And while the numbers are impressive, what moves me, and should move all of us is the fact that these college graduates are leaders and trailblazers in our communities right now. These are the stories that aren’t being told. They are investing their time, talent and treasure to improve outcomes and change things. They are buying real estate in their neighborhoods, running nonprofits and mentoring young children. They are signaling that they care. And where there’s care, there can be change.
Laura Marx is the executive director of Captial Region Sponsor-A-Scholar.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.