2005

What does it mean that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed? What is opportunity? How is it generated and sustained in the 21st Century? In this 2005 opportunity report, we try to answer these questions. Based on what we found, we also recommend ways to expand opportunity for all in Colorado.

What does it mean that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed? What is opportunity? How is it generated and sustained in the 21st Century? In this 2005 opportunity report, we try to answer these questions. Based on what we found, we also recommend ways to expand opportunity for all in Colorado.

A safe and stimulating early childhood is our second gateway to a life of opportunity. A child who is nurtured emotionally and stimulated intellectually during the first years of life is much more likely to develop the self-confidence and cognitive abilities that will lead to greater opportunities throughout life.

Establishing a healthy lifestyle in childhood and adolescence is our fourth gateway to a life of opportunity. Kids who develop healthy habits early are more likely to enjoy good health throughout their adult lives and into their senior years than kids who develop unhealthy habits.

High school graduates who have access to affordable colleges or technical schools can get the knowledge and skills to become productive members of the workforce with financially successful careers.

Those who enjoy sound physical and mental health or are able to get adequate treatment when they need it are likely to be more productive, advance faster in their careers, earn higher incomes and enjoy a better quality of life throughout their adult years.

Earning a decent living and building wealth is our next important gateway to opportunity. A job with benefits that pays at least enough for a family to be self-sufficient and to build assets is the surest path into the Cycle of Opportunity.

A financially secure and healthy retirement is our ninth and final gateway to a life of opportunity. A secure and healthy retirement should be the reward for a life of hard work and contribution to family and community.

Articles: The Bell Policy Center releases Colorado: The State of Opportunity 2005 Report, National studies document the benefits of child care, Congress considers legislation to limit funding for child care, Interim committee offers ideas to expand health insurance coverage, U.S. health care system: costly and disorganized, The rich get richer as income gap widens, Despite headwinds, economists predict Colorado economy will add jobs

A Boulder Daily Camera commentary summarizing the 2005 State of Opportunity Report.