annual

The system of public (K-12) education is perhaps the greatest engine for opportunity in Colorado, so we have chosen building a solid base for literacy during the elementary school years as the next critical gateway to a life of opportunity.

Presentation providing an overview of the Bell Policy Center's report "Opportunity Lost: When Hard Work Isn't Enough for Colorado's Families."

This final section addresses another critical factor in the Cycle of Opportunity??? the health of our democracy.

A healthy pregnancy leading to a healthy birth is the first major gateway to a life of opportunity.

A safe and stimulating early childhood is the nex major gaeway to a life of opportunity. The first several years of life set the foundation for future physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

An active and healthy childhood and adolescence is an important gateway to a life of opportunity. Eating right , exercising and avoiding high-risk behaviors are fundamental choices that impact short- and long-term health, social, educational and economic opportunities.

Leaving school ready to succeed is the next important opportunity gateway. For much of the last century, so long as you were a loyal employee and worked hard, it was possible to get and keep a good paying job that had decent benefits even if you did not have a high school diploma. Those days are gone. Today, the successful completion of high school is virtually indispensable to one???s prospects for success.

To be considered a state of opportunity i n the 21st century, Colorado must provide its adults - both young and old - with access to lifelong education and training . Real opportunities for further education and training must not only be available to recent high school graduates, but also to high school dropouts of all ages who are trying to get back on the Cycle of Opportunity, English language learners, and high school graduates who find their skills are no longer good enough.

Maintaining good physical health throughout adulthood is an important gateway to opportunity. Good health contributes to improved job productivity and increased self-worth and self-sufficiency.

I n our free market economy, the ultimate gateway to opportunity is a good income that allows a family to accumulate assets and save for the future. And unlike health or education, wealth can be stored, shared with one???s family, and passed on from generation to generation.