Economic mobility has been improving in Charlotte, according to a recently updated study by Opportunity Insights, the Harvard University-based research group led by Dr. Raj Chetty. Economic mobility is the ability of children from low-income families to improve their economic status over time.
10 years ago, Chetty published a study of economic mobility in 50 cities, and Charlotte ranked dead last.
The new update shows that – thanks to the efforts of community leaders, organizations and workers – Charlotte has moved up 12 spots on the list, from 50 to 38. The study also shows that Charlotte has made more progress over the past decade than most peer cities.
The impact of pre-K and early childhood education on economic mobility?
After the original study was released 10 years ago, a local task force identified five priorities for addressing this issue: early care & education, child & family stability, college & career readiness, the impact of segregation, and social capital. An organization called Leading on Opportunity was formed in 2017 to advocate for and track Charlotte’s progress in these areas.
A child’s earliest years have a profound and lasting impact on their school success, their career success, and their lives. MECK Pre-K was founded in 2018 to help increase access to high-quality pre-K in Mecklenburg County, alongside other programs such as NC Pre-K and Bright Beginnings. Since then, more than 8,000 children have graduated from MECK Pre-K, with the oldest graduates now entering fourth grade this fall.
The role of family stability and support in economic mobility
Children and youth do best in stable households where they feel safe and secure. One of the key takeaways from the recent study is the importance of approaching problems through a “dual-generational” lens. In a recent news story about this topic, a representative from Leading on Opportunity emphasized, “not just focusing on parents, not just focusing on children, but focusing on parents and children together.”
This is exactly how MECK Pre-K approaches family support. Around the same time as this story, MECK Pre-K was hosting a “Smart Start to Pre-K” event at their offices in downtown Charlotte. These events are held every summer for families who have enrolled their children in MECK Pre-K for the upcoming school year. At these events, children participate in developmental screenings to identify their needs in the coming year, while parents have access to resources to support the whole family. This is just one example of how MECK Pre-K supports the whole family, not just the student.
MECK Pre-K and Charlotte: Creating opportunities for children’s success
Charlotte’s improved ranking is good, but it’s still a far cry from being at the top of the list. That’s why Charlotte’s leaders plan to continue their focus on the five areas: early care & education, child & family stability, college & career readiness, the impact of segregation, and social capital.
MECK Pre-K will continue its mission to provide high quality pre-K education to all four-year-old children in Mecklenburg County at no cost to families. This fall, 1,890 children will start classes at MECK Pre-K, ready to grow and learn and prepare for kindergarten. And hopefully, in 10 more years, we’ll find that economic mobility is even more attainable to the children of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County than it is today.