The K-12 System and Economic Mobility

Education has long been heralded as the great equalizer. However, the K-12 system, in isolation, falls short of delivering on its promise of economic mobility—particularly for children from communities impacted by poverty. In this session, Harlem Children’s Zone CEO Kwame Owusu-Kesse, in conversation with Deputy Director of William Julius Wilson Institute at HCZ Christian Rhodes, will explore the barriers that limit opportunity and the bold innovations-- like Harlem Children’s Zone Wealth Builds initiative--that can turn education into a true engine for social and economic transformation to ensure that every scholar graduates not just with a degree, but with a clear path to upward mobility.