Paths of Opportunity
What actually creates economic mobility for students?
Last week, I hosted our most recent Purposeful Pathways conversation with Bailey Cato Czupryk from TNTP to dig into their new “Paths of Opportunity” report. I was excited to talk to Bailey, because she is leading the research team that is digging into our education’s most important question: How can we create economic and social mobility, especially for those furthest from opportunity?
The core finding of the report is sobering: even when students from low-income backgrounds hit every academic milestone, they still earn a living wage by age 30 at rates less than their average (less academically successful) privileged peers.
That’s unsettling. And as someone who’s spent years working in K–12 education and now building Willow to help students discover their strengths and purpose, explore careers, and find quality postsecondary options, it’s both challenging and motivating.
Academic Strength Is Necessary but Not Sufficient
TNTP’s research reaffirmed that a strong academic foundation is crucial—it does give students a much better chance of earning a living wage. For students experiencing poverty, those who excel academically are far more likely to be on a positive trajectory. However, a low-income student who does everything “right” academically often earns less than a wealthier peer with weaker academic outcomes.
What Matters
TNTP identifies five elements critical to increasing economic and social mobility:
Academic Foundation: A given. Rigorous curricula and strong teaching matter.
Career-Connected Learning: Early, hands-on exploration of diverse pathways. Because you can’t be what you can’t see.
Social Capital: Mentors, advisors, and trusted relationships that open doors. It’s often not just what you know, but who’s there to help guide you.
Personal Supports: Individuals and tools that shepherd students through tough transitions, remind them of their worth, and keep them on track.
Civic Engagement: Meaningful opportunities to shape one’s community, gain leadership skills, and see oneself as an agent of change.
This broader framework resonates deeply with what we’re building at Willow. Yes, the ROI of education programs, but we also want to help students discover who they are, their purpose, and what they want out of life. We guide them towards both college and professional programs that lead to real opportunity—and help them understand what they can do now, to achieve their goals.
Old Promises Haven’t Worked
The old narrative—get good grades, go to a “good” college, and everything will be fine—isn’t enough. TNTP’s research underscores that we must look beyond academics, beyond college acceptances, and beyond the traditional measures of “doing well in high school.” Our students deserve comprehensive support: real information about program quality, exposure to a variety of good careers, mentorship, support and guidance that leads to quality jobs.
What We’re Reading & Watching
Relatedly, TNTP’s CEO, Dr. Tequila Brown, released her powerful TED Talk this week, “If College is the Answer, What is the Question?” It’s worth a watch.
Join us!
Michael Horn, a leading thinker on innovation in education, and a long-time thought-partner of mine, joins me on January 9th at 1pm in our next Purposeful Pathways conversation. We’ll discuss Michael’s recent work including, “CTE for All?” And his new bestselling book, Job Moves! Hope you can join us.
Onward,
James