Nationally and in Ohio, we work to promote policies and practices that help children born into poverty transcend their disadvantages and enter the middle class as adults, with a particular focus on what role our schools can play. Through publications, events, and commentary, we advocate for proven paths to the middle class, including high-quality career and technical education, a focus on high-achieving disadvantaged students, and the "Success Sequence."
Resources:
- Education for Upward Mobility
- The Education for Upward Mobility Conference
- Career and Technical Education in High School: Does It Improve Student Outcomes?
Our many upward-mobility-related blog posts are listed below.
Fordham’s upward mobility experts:
The high school pathways that boost adult earnings
Aaron Churchill 4.9.2026
NationalFlypaper
College or Career Readiness? Postsecondary and Labor Market Outcomes for Ohio High School Students Earning Industry-Recognized Credentials
Jay Plasman 3.30.2026
NationalReport
#945: What happened when Tennessee colleges dropped remedial courses, with Jill Barshay
Jill Barshay, Michael J. Petrilli, Amber M. Northern, Ph.D., David Griffith, Ph.D. 11.6.2024
NationalPodcast
#942: The case for supply-side policies in career and technical education, with David Deming
David Deming, Michael J. Petrilli, Amber M. Northern, Ph.D., David Griffith, Ph.D. 10.16.2024
NationalPodcast
The vibes for career-tech programs are great. But they’re too rare.
Michael J. Petrilli 9.5.2024
NationalFlypaper
One new idea, and two old ones, for moving beyond age-based grouping of students
Michael J. Petrilli 6.6.2024
NationalFlypaper
Replacing the Carnegie Unit will spark a battle royale
Michael J. Petrilli 10.19.2023
NationalFlypaper
#875: Charter schools that help students earn college credentials, with Kevin Teasley
Kevin Teasley, Michael J. Petrilli, Amber M. Northern, Ph.D. 6.21.2023
NationalPodcast
#874: How to build a continuum of advanced learning opportunities, with Nick Colangelo
Nicholas Colangelo, Michael J. Petrilli, Amber M. Northern, Ph.D., David Griffith, Ph.D. 6.14.2023
NationalPodcast
#865: The challenges of parenting gifted children, with Gail Post
Gail Post, Michael J. Petrilli, Amber M. Northern, Ph.D., David Griffith, Ph.D. 4.12.2023
NationalPodcast