At the core of America is a belief that through hard work, ambition and perseverance, everyone has a fair shot to get ahead. But our American Dream is at risk. Instead of talent and toil determining how far we go in life, too often the zip code where we are born or live dictates our destiny.

This is especially true for our nation’s youth.

In the United States, only 6% of children born in low-income families will make it to the top of the income ladder.

Quite simply, the opportunity gap is widening in America, making it harder for young people to get ahead. The U.S. must do more to retool our educational supports, economic systems and federal policies so that our young people can meet the challenges of the 21st century global economy.