Ladders of Opportunity | The White House

<!DOCTYPE html>     <html class="no-js no-responsive" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: http://ogp.me/ns#">  <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility","20140925060613","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1411625173"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"/> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=8"/> <title>Ladders of Opportunity | The White House</title> <meta name="description" content=""/> <meta name="keywords" content=""/> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613js_/https://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js"></script> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/themes/whitehouse/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon"/> <meta name="keywords" content="President,Barack Obama,White House,United States of America,44th President,White House history,President Obama,Barck,Barek,Barak,Barrack,Barrak,Obma,Barack"/> <meta property="fb:admins" content="100000095507875"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Read about the policies and initiatives that the Obama Administration has taken to help strengthen our communities."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/wh_ladders_safe_image.jpg"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Ladders of Opportunity for Americans"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility"/> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/web/20140925060613cs_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/css_injector_13.css?b"/> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/web/20140925060613cs_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/css_injector_421.css?b"/> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/web/20140925060613cs_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/advagg_css/css_5ac96f6372f8e6e30ea885140343f1f6_2.css"/> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/web/20140925060613cs_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/advagg_css/css_bd59ca09f830e33bf5ffeb7b93d614d9_554.css"/>    <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20140925060613js_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/advagg_js/js_db1c4aa5058b3f941bc8131410eff4fb_19.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Press Articles RSS" href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/feed/press"/> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Blog RSS" href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/feed/blog"/> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Photo Gallery RSS" href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/feed/media/photo-gallery"/> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Video RSS" href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/feed/media/video-audio"/> </head> <body id="www-whitehouse-gov" class="not-front not-logged-in page-node node-type-page no-sidebars"> <div class="skip"><a href="#main-content">Skip to main content</a> | <a href="#sitemap">Skip to footer site map</a> </div> <div id="page" class="clearfix"> <div id="page-inner" class="center-on-page clearfix"> <div id="header" class="clearfix"> <div id="header-title" class="clearfix"><span><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/">The White House. President Barack Obama</a></span></div> <div id="hdr-emblem"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/themes/whitehouse/img/clear.gif" alt="The White House Emblem" title="" width="1" height="1"/></a> </div> <div id="hdr-links" class="clearfix"><ul><li id="header-link-get-email-updates"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/get-email-updates">Get Email Updates</a></li><li class="line" id="header-link-contact-us"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact">Contact Us</a></li></div> <div id="top-nav-wrapper" class="clearfix clear"> <div id="hdr-flag"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/">Go to homepage.</a></div> <ul id="topnav" class="clearfix"> <li id="nav-blog" class="first-level"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog" class="first-level"><span>The White House Blog</span></a> </li> <li id="nav-media-center" class="first-level"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/video" class="first-level"><span>Photos & Videos</span></a> <div class="topnav-dd-outer topnav-dd-outer-two-col topnav-dd-outer-featured topnav-dd-outer-two-col-featured"><div class="topnav-dd-inner clearfix"> <ul class="two-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/slideshows">Photo Galleries</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/video">Video</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/performances">Performances</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="two-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/live">Live Streams</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/podcasts">Podcasts</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/share/all">Shareables</a> </li> </ul> <div id="nav-media-center-feature" class="topnav-feature"> <div class="cp_tile "> <div id="block-nodeblock-43333" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><p class="menu-feature-title"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/performances">Performances at the White House</a></p> <p>See the full lineup of artists and performers.</p> <p><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/performances"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/home_page/wh_nav_feature_in_performance.jpg" alt="Performances at the White House"/></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li id="nav-briefing-room" class="first-level"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room" class="first-level"><span>Briefing Room</span></a> <div class="topnav-dd-outer topnav-dd-outer-two-col topnav-dd-outer-featured topnav-dd-outer-two-col-featured"><div class="topnav-dd-inner clearfix"> <ul class="two-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/weekly-address">Your Weekly Address</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-and-remarks">Speeches & Remarks</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings">Press Briefings</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-and-releases">Statements & Releases</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/schedule/complete">White House Schedule</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions">Presidential Actions</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/executive-orders">Executive Orders</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/presidential-memoranda">Presidential Memoranda</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/proclamations">Proclamations</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="two-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation">Legislation</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/pending-legislation">Pending Legislation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/signed-legislation">Signed Legislation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/vetoed-legislation">Vetoed Legislation</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/nominations-and-appointments">Nominations & Appointments</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/visitor-records">Disclosures</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/visitor-records">Visitor Access Records</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/public-forms/oge278">Financial Disclosures</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/annual-records/2014">2014 Annual Report to Congress</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/annual-records/2013">2013 Annual Report to Congress</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/annual-records/2012">2012 Annual Report to Congress</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <div id="nav-briefing-room-feature" class="topnav-feature"> <div class="cp_tile "> <div id="block-nodeblock-43309" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><p class="menu-feature-title"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/visitor-records?utm_source=wh&utm_medium=tout&utm_campaign=menu">A Commitment to Transparency</a></p> <p>Browse White House visitor logs</p> <p><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/visitor-records?utm_source=wh&utm_medium=tout&utm_campaign=menu"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/menu_visitor_records.jpg" alt="President Obama greets White House visitors"/></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li id="nav-issues" class="first-level"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues" class="first-level"><span>Issues</span></a> <div class="topnav-dd-outer topnav-dd-outer-three-col topnav-dd-outer-featured topnav-dd-outer-three-col-featured"><div class="topnav-dd-inner clearfix"> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil-rights">Civil Rights</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil-rights/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/defense">Defense</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/iraq">End of Iraq War</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/disabilities">Disabilities</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy">Economy</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy/jobs">Jobs</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy/reform">Reform and Fiscal Responsibility</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy/middle-class">Strengthening the Middle Class</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy/business">Support for Business</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education">Education</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/energy">Energy & Environment</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/climate-change">Climate Change</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/21stcenturygov">Ethics</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/equal-pay">Equal Pay</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/foreign-policy">Foreign Policy</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform">Health Care</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/homeland-security">Homeland Security</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/immigration">Immigration</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/refi">Refinancing</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/rural-council">Rural</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/service">Service</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/seniors-and-social-security">Seniors & Social Security</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/snapshots/creating-american-jobs">Snapshots</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/snapshots/creating-american-jobs">Creating Jobs</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/snapshots/expanding-access-affordable-health-care">Health Care</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/snapshots/supporting-small-business-and-entrepreneurs">Small Business</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/snapshots/improving-early-childhood-and-k-12-education">PreK-12 Education</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/taxes">Taxes</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/2013-taxreceipt">Tax Receipt</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy/buffett-rule">The Buffett Rule</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/technology">Technology</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility" class="active">Urban and Economic Mobility</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/veterans">Veterans and Military Families</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/preventing-gun-violence">Violence Prevention</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/women">Women</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces">Joining Forces</a> </li> </ul> <div id="nav-issues-feature" class="topnav-feature"> <div class="cp_tile "> <div id="block-nodeblock-43315" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><p class="menu-feature-title"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/year-of-action" alt="A Year of Action">Year of Action</a></p> <p>President Obama is taking action to help ensure opportunity for all Americans.</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/year-of-action" alt="A Year of Action"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/wh_nav_year_of_action.jpg" alt="President Obama Signing Legislation"/></a></p> <hr/> <p class="menu-feature-title"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/my-front-porch" alt="My Front Porch">My Front Porch</a></p> <p>Americans across the country are sharing how their days look. Tell us your story.</p> <p><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/06/26/day-life-rebekah-minneapolis"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/mfp_nav.jpg" alt="My Front Porch"/></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li id="nav-the-admin" class="first-level"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration" class="first-level"><span>The Administration</span></a> <div class="topnav-dd-outer topnav-dd-outer-three-col topnav-dd-outer-featured topnav-dd-outer-three-col-featured"><div class="topnav-dd-inner clearfix"> <div id="nav-the-admin-feature" class="topnav-feature"> <div class="cp_tile "> <div id="block-nodeblock-43303" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><p class="menu-feature-title"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions">We the People</a></p> <p>Create and Sign Petitions Now</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/featured_petitions.jpg" alt="We the People"/></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama">President Barack Obama</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-president-biden">Vice President Joe Biden</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/being-biden">Being Biden Audio Series</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/first-lady-michelle-obama">First Lady Michelle Obama</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/jill-biden">Dr. Jill Biden</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet">The Cabinet</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/staff">White House Staff</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/staff/john-podesta">Counselor to the President John Podesta</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop">Executive Office of the President</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/other-advisory-boards">Other Advisory Boards</a> </li> </ul> </div></div> </li> <li id="nav-the-wh" class="first-level"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about" class="first-level"><span>About the White House</span></a> <div class="topnav-dd-outer topnav-dd-outer-three-col topnav-dd-outer-featured topnav-dd-outer-three-col-featured"><div class="topnav-dd-inner clearfix"> <div id="nav-the-wh-feature" class="topnav-feature"> <div class="cp_tile "> <div id="block-nodeblock-43321" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><p class="menu-feature-title"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/2013-taxreceipt">Taxpayer Receipt</a></p> <p>Understand how and where your tax dollars are being spent.</p> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/2013-taxreceipt"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/taxcalcfeatureda_nav_0.jpg" alt="Taxpayer Receipt"></a> <hr> <p class="menu-feature-title"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/interactive-tour">Take A Virtual Tour</a></p> <p>View the Residence, East Wing and West Wing</p> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/interactive-tour"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/wh_nav_featured_interactive_tour.jpg" alt="Interactive Tour"></a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house">Inside the White House</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/interactive-tour">Interactive Tour</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/west-wing-tour">West Wing Tour</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/video-series">Video Series</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/art">Décor and Art</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/holidays-2012">Holidays</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents">Presidents</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/first-ladies">First Ladies</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/oval-office">The Oval Office</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/vp-residence">The Vice President's Residence & Office</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/eeob">Eisenhower Executive Office Building</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/camp-david">Camp David</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/air-force-one">Air Force One</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows">White House Fellows</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows/commission">President’s Commission</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows/about">About the Fellowship</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/08/25/white-house-appoints-2014-2015-class-white-house-fellows">2014-2015 White House Fellows Press Release</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows/2014-15-national-finalists">2014 National Finalists</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows/2014-2015">Current Class</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships">White House Internships</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/about">About</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/program">Program</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/departments">Presidential Department Descriptions</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/selection">Selection Process</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/FAQs">Internship Timeline & FAQs</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="three-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events">Tours & Events</a> <ul class="topnav-dd-inner-sub"> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll">2014 Easter Egg Roll</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/white-house-kitchen-garden-tours">Kitchen Garden Tours</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/google-art">Take a Virtual Tour of the White House</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/mobile">Mobile Apps</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/tools">Tools You'll Use</a> </li> </ul> </div></div> </li> <li id="nav-the-gov" class="first-level"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government" class="first-level"><span>Our Government</span></a> <div class="topnav-dd-outer topnav-dd-outer-two-col"><div class="topnav-dd-inner clearfix"> <ul class="two-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/executive-branch">The Executive Branch</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/legislative-branch">The Legislative Branch</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/judicial-branch">The Judicial Branch</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/the-constitution">The Constitution</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="two-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/federal-agencies-and-commissions">Federal Agencies & Commissions</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/elections-and-voting">Elections & Voting</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/state-and-local-government">State & Local Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/resources">Resources</a> </li> </ul> </div></div> </li> <li id="" class="first-level"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/" class="first-level"><span></span></a> <div class="topnav-dd-outer topnav-dd-outer-two-col"><div class="topnav-dd-inner clearfix"> <ul class="two-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/keepit">If You Like the Insurance You Have, Keep It</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/exchange">More Choices, Greater Competition -- Health Insurance Exchange</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/congress">Same Coverage Choices as Members of Congress</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/families">Making Coverage and Care More Affordable for Families</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/small-business">Tax Relief and Incentives for Small Business Owners</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="two-col clearfix"> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/honesty">Keeping Insurance Companies Honest</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/expenses">Limiting Out-Of Pocket Expenses</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/shared-responsibility">Shared Responsibility</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/hardship">"Hardship" Waiver</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting/proposal/titlei/employer-responsibility">Employer Responsibility</a> </li> </ul> </div></div> </li> </ul> <script> /* Maximize height of menu features. */ if(typeof(jQuery)!='undefined')jQuery.each($('#topnav'),function(i,v){var o=$(v),oh=o.height(),sh=o.siblings().height();if(oh<sh)o.height(o.siblings().height());}); </script> </div> </div> <div id="subhead-wrapper"> <div id="breadcrumb"><div class="breadcrumb"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/">Home</a> • <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues">Issues</a> • Urban and Economic Mobility</div></div> <div id="sub-search"> <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://search.whitehouse.gov/search" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="get" id="usasearch-box"> <div><input type="hidden" name="affiliate" id="edit-affiliate-id" value="wh"/> <div class="form-item clearfix" id="edit-text-field-wrapper"> <input type="text" maxlength="128" name="query" id="edit-text-field" size="15" value="" title="Enter the terms you wish to search for." class="form-text search-field"/> </div> <div class="search-btn"><input type="image" name="submit" value="Search" id="edit-submit-1" alt="search" class="form-submit" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/themes/whitehouse/img/buttons/btn-search.gif"/> </div><input type="hidden" name="form_id" id="edit-usasearch-box" value="usasearch_box"/> </div></form> </div> </div> <span style="position:absolute;"><a name="main-content"> </a></span> <div class="grid-container page-container"> <div id="control"> <div id="wh-admin-bar-region" class="clearfix"> <div class="tabs clearfix"></div> </div> </div> <div class="extend-page body-text clearfix clear page node-content"> <div id="top-content"> <div class="cp_tile "> <div id="block-nodeblock-167601" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><script type="text/javascript"> $(document).ready(function() { // Show slideshow as expanded, and set listeners for expanding/collapsing. $('.hero-banner').hide(); $('.banner-button').addClass('close-button').text('Hide This').click(function(){ $(this).text($(this).text() == 'Hide This' ? 'Expand to Learn More' : 'Hide This'); $(this).toggleClass('close-button'); $(this).toggleClass('open-button'); $(this).next('#oua-header-container').slideToggle("slow").next('.hero-banner').toggle('.hero-banner'); return true; }); }); </script><style type="text/css"> #top-content { overflow: hidden; } #oua-header-container { background: url(/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/healthcare/hero_bg.jpg) repeat scroll 0 0 #af8a61; height: 355px; } #oua-header-content-container { float: left; height: 334px; margin: 0px 0px 20px 10px; overflow: hidden; width: 315px; } #oua-header-content-container, #oua-header-content-container p { font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #fff; } #oua-header-content-container p { line-height: 1.25em; } #oua-header-content-container a.more { background:url(/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/oua/white_arrow.gif) no-repeat scroll right center transparent; font-size:10px; font-weight:bold; padding-right:10px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; color: #fff; } #oua-header-content-container .oua-header-content-super-header { text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px; color: #422a08; } #oua-header-content-container .oua-header-content-header { color: #fff; font-size: 28px; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",Times,serif; margin: 15px 0; } #oua-header-video-container { background: #000000; width: 650px; height: 355px; float: right; overflow: hidden; } #oua-header-video-container object { margin-left: -1px; /* to avoid strange white border on resized flash object */ } .hero-banner{ height: 169px; width: 976px; background: url(/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/mobility_hero_bg.jpg) top left no-repeat; display: none; } p.hero-closed-text{ color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 46px !important; padding: 35px 450px 10px 13px; text-transform: capitalize; text-shadow: 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3); letter-spacing: .03em; } p.hero-uppercase{ color: #3A2507 !important; font-size: 1.1em; text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 0; /*text-shadow: 2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);*/ } .banner-button{ bottom: 10px; color: #FFFFFF; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; height: 13px; left: 10px; padding: 10px; position: absolute; width: 170px; } .open-button { background: url(/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/expand-button.png) top left no-repeat; } .close-button { background: url(/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/contract-button.png) top left no-repeat; } .hero-wrapper{ position:relative; } .quoted { color: #fff; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif !important; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em !important; line-height: 1.3em !important; padding: 0px !important; margin: 10px 0; width: 300px; } .attribution { color: #fff; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif !important; font-weight: normal; font-style: oblique; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.3em !important; padding: 0px !important; margin: 10px 0; width: 300px; } </style><div class="hero-wrapper clearfix"> <div class="banner-button clearfix">Expand to Learn More</div> <div id="oua-header-container" class="clearfix"> <div id="oua-header-content-container"> <p class="hero-uppercase">Ladders of Opportunity</p> <p class="quoted"><quote>“We are true to our creed when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American; she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God but also in our own.”</quote></p> <p class="attribution">– President Barack Obama, Inaugural Address, <br/>   January 21, 2013</br></p> </div> <div id="oua-header-video-container"> <div class="embed"><style type="text/css"> .hero-carousel-wrapper { width: 650px; height: 355px; } ul.hero-carousel { list-style: none; margin: 0; width: 650px; height: 355px; } .hero-carousel-nav { background: transparent url(https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/files/images/energy/slideshow/gallery-arrows.png) no-repeat 0 0; width: 52px; height: 77px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; margin-bottom:-77px; z-index: 100; top: -225px; } .hero-carousel-prev { float: left; margin-right:-52px; background-position: 0 -77px; } .hero-carousel-prev:hover { cursor: pointer; background-position: 0 0; } .hero-carousel-next { float: right; margin-left: -52px; background-position: -52px -77px; } .hero-carousel-next:hover { cursor: pointer; background-position: -52px 0; } </style> <div class="hero-carousel-wrapper clearfix"> <ul class="hero-carousel"> <li><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/ladders_hero_7_million_0.jpg" width="650" height="355" alt="7 million"/></li> <li><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/ladders_hero_46_states.jpg" width="650" height="355" alt="13,000"/></li> <li><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/ladders_hero_13k_neighborhoods.jpg" width="650" height="355" alt="3,600"/></li> <li><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/ladders_hero_25_million.jpg" width="650" height="355" alt="5,000"/></li> </ul> <div class="hero-carousel-prev hero-carousel-nav"> </div> <div class="hero-carousel-next hero-carousel-nav"> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> $(document).ready(function() { $('.hero-carousel').cycle({ prev: '.hero-carousel-prev', next: '.hero-carousel-next', fx: 'scrollHorz' }); $('.hero-carousel').cycle('pause'); }); </script></div> </div> </div> <div class="hero-banner"> <p class="hero-closed-text"> Ladders of Opportunity </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="block-nodeblock-167611" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><div id="node-167611" class="node clear-block"> <div class="blocky-nav grid-61 last-grid"><div class="blocky blocky-four firstoffour blocky-active"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility"><div class="blocky-nav-line-1">At a</div><div class="blocky-nav-line-2">Glance</div></a></div><div class="blocky blocky-four "><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity"><div class="blocky-nav-line-1">Creating Economic</div><div class="blocky-nav-line-2">Opportunity</div></a></div><div class="blocky blocky-four "><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/community-revitalization"><div class="blocky-nav-line-1">Sparking Community</div><div class="blocky-nav-line-2">Revitalization</div></a></div><div class="blocky blocky-four lastoffour "><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/latest-news"><div class="blocky-nav-line-1">Latest</div><div class="blocky-nav-line-2">News</div></a></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="content"> <h1 property="dc:title">Ladders of Opportunity</h1> <style type="text/css"> .page #content { width: 676px; padding-left: 16px; } h1 { display: none; } h3 { text-transform: uppercase; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1em; margin-top: 7px; } p.intro-paragraph { color: #777; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",Times,serif; font-size: 19px; margin-top: 20px; line-height: 26px; font-weight: 100; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCC; padding-bottom: 8px; } #right-rail h3 { text-transform: uppercase; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; } .extend-page { background: none; } #right-rail { width: 240px; padding: 25px 16px 0 0; background: none; } grid-43 { margin-right: 0px; } .spotlight { background: url('/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/urban_affairs_home_bg_gradient.png') repeat-x; margin: 1em 0; padding: 16px; max-width:687px !important; } .spotlight h2 { margin: 0; } #content h5, #right-rail h5 { text-transform: uppercase; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: -5px; } #content ul, #right-rail ul { padding: 0; list-style: none; } #right-rail ul li { margin: 6px 0; }</style> <p class="opening-quote">There’s a basic bargain in America. It says that no matter who you are or where you’re from, if you’re willing to work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to find a good job, feel secure in your community, and support a family. President Obama has fought for the middle class, and has made historic investments in making sure that there are ladders of opportunity for those working hard to make it to the middle class.</p><br/> <hr/> <div class="grid-43"> <div class="grid-21"> <img alt="Creating Economic Opportunity" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/initiatives_home_image_0.jpg"/> <h3> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity">Creating Economic Opportunity</a></h3> <p>President Obama is building ladders of opportunity to the middle class for all families working hard to lift themselves up.</p> <h5> Learn More</h5> <p style="margin-bottom:5px; margin-top:5px;"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#work">Rewarding Hard Work by Raising the Minimum Wage</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom:5px;"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#education">Providing High Quality Early Childhood Education</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom:5px;"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#pathways">Creating Pathways to Jobs</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom:5px;"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#families">Supporting Strong Families</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom:5px;"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#nutrition">Increasing Access to Healthy Food</a></p> <p> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#capability">Increasing Financial Literacy</a></p><br/> </div> <div class="grid-21 last-grid"> <img alt="Community Revitalization" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/initiatives_home_image.jpg"/> <h3> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/community-revitalization">Community Revitalization</a></h3> <p>President Obama recognizes that interconnected challenges in distressed communities require interconnected solutions.</p> <h5> Learn More</h5> <p style="margin-top:5px; margin-bottom:5px;"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/community-revitalization#communities">Building Promise Zones</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom:5px;"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/community-revitalization#homelessness">Ending Homelessness</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom:5px;"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/community-revitalization#healthy-food">Bringing Healthy Foods to Communities</a></p> <p> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/community-revitalization#partnership">Creating Sustainable Communities</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid-43 clearfix" style="float:none;"> <div class="grid-13"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget"><img alt="The President's 2014 Budget" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/wh_2014_budget.png"/></a> <h3> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget">The President's <br/>2014 Budget</a></h3> <p>The President’s 2014 Budget demonstrates that we can make critical investments to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and grow the economy while continuing to cut the deficit in a balanced way.</p> </div> <div class="grid-13"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#work"><img alt="Raising the Minimum Wage" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/wh_raising_min_wage_2.png"/></a> <h3> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#work">Raising the Minimum Wage</a></h3> <p>The President believes that no one who works full-time should have to raise their family in poverty. The President is calling on Congress to raise the Federal minimum wage to $9.00 and index it to inflation thereafter.</p> </div> <div class="grid-13 last-grid"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#education"><img alt="Early Childhood Education" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/wh_early_childhood_edu_2.png"/></a> <h3> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility/economic-opportunity#education">Early Childhood Education</a></h3> <p>The President is proposing to make a significant investment in early learning opportunities, because those years of a child’s life are critical for building the early foundation needed for success.</p> </div> </div> <div class="grid-43 clearfix" style="float:none;"> <hr/> <div> <div id="wh_addthis_output clearfix">  </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="right-rail"> <div class="cp_tile "> <div id="block-nodeblock-215441" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><style type="text/css"> ul.reports { list-style: none !important; margin: 0 !important; } .reports li { margin-bottom: 6px; } #right-rail h3 { text-transform: uppercase; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 5px; } .classy-quotebox{ box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f5f5f5; color: #666; font-style: italic; padding: 0px 19px; width: 240px; margin-bottom: 12px; } .classy-quotebox p { margin: 0px; } .classy-quote { font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 1.8; padding: 6px 0px; } .classy-open-quote, .classy-close-quote { display: block; margin: 5px auto; } .classy-quotebox-attr { font-size: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; } .bottom-fuzrule { background-image: url('/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/immigration/quote_bottom_fuzrule.png'); width: 240px; height: 18px; } .top-fuzrule { background-image: url('/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/immigration/quote_top_fuzrule.png'); width: 240px; height: 18px; } </style><p style="margin: 0 0 -5px 0;"><img alt="" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/reports_home_image.jpg"/></p> <h3>Download Reports</h3> <p> Read more about the policies and initiatives that the Obama Administration has taken to help strengthen our communities.</p> <ul class="reports"> <li class="mobility-report"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/revised_creating_pathways_to_opportunity_report_10_14_11.pdf">Creating Pathways to Opportunity</a></li> <li class="mobility-report"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/fatherhood_report_6.13.12_final.pdf">Promoting Responsible Fatherhood</a></li> <li class="mobility-report"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/nri_report.pdf">Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative</a></li> <li class="mobility-report"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf">Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness</a></li> <li class="mobility-report"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/pdf/partnership_accomplishments_report_508%20compliant_final_062112.pdf">Partnership for Sustainable Communities </a></li> <li class="mobility-report"> <a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/snap_report_-_final.pdf">Economic Importance of Nutrition Assistance</a></li> </ul> <h3 style="margin-top:30px !important; margin-bottom:10px !important;">Featured Videos</h3> <p><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2013/02/15/president-obama-speaks-strengthening-economy-middle-class"><img alt="President Obama Speaks on Strengthening the Economy for the Middle Class" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/rr_video_01.png"/></a></p> <p style="font-weight:strong; margin-top:-15px;"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2013/02/15/president-obama-speaks-strengthening-economy-middle-class">President Obama discusses the plan he laid out in the State of the Union to strengthen communities and families.</a></p> <p><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2013/02/14/president-obama-early-childhood-education"><img alt="President Obama on Early Childhood Education" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/rr_video_02.png"/></a></p> <p style="font-weight:strong; margin-top:-15px;"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2013/02/14/president-obama-early-childhood-education">President Obama explains how high-quality preschool prepares kids for success throughout their lives.</a></p> <p><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2012/07/25/president-obama-speaks-national-urban-league-convention"><img alt="President Obama Speaks at the National Urban League Convention" src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/microsites/oua/rr_video_03.png"/></a></p> <p style="font-weight:strong; margin-top:-15px;"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2013/02/14/president-obama-early-childhood-education">President Obama discusses his Administration’s work to holistically strengthen communities at the National Urban League Convention on July 25, 2012.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span style="position:absolute;"><a name="sitemap"> </a></span> <div class="clear"></div> <div id="footer" class="clearfix clear"> <div class="col"> <h4 class="top-level"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/">Home</a></h4> <h4 class="top-level"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog">The White House Blog</a></h4> <h4><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/video">Photos & Videos</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/slideshows">Photo Galleries</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/video">Video</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/performances">Performances</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/live">Live Streams</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/podcasts">Podcasts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/share/all">Shareables</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col"> <h4><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room">Briefing Room</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/weekly-address">Your Weekly Address</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-and-remarks">Speeches & Remarks</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings">Press Briefings</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-and-releases">Statements & Releases</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/schedule/complete">White House Schedule</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions">Presidential Actions</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation">Legislation</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/nominations-and-appointments">Nominations & Appointments</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/visitor-records">Disclosures</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col"> <h4><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues">Issues</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil-rights">Civil Rights</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/defense">Defense</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/disabilities">Disabilities</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy">Economy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education">Education</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/energy">Energy & Environment</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/21stcenturygov">Ethics</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/equal-pay">Equal Pay</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/foreign-policy">Foreign Policy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform">Health Care</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/homeland-security">Homeland Security</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/immigration">Immigration</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/refi">Refinancing</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/rural-council">Rural</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/service">Service</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/seniors-and-social-security">Seniors & Social Security</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/snapshots/creating-american-jobs">Snapshots</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/taxes">Taxes</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/technology">Technology</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/urban-and-economic-mobility" class="active">Urban and Economic Mobility</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/veterans">Veterans and Military Families</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/preventing-gun-violence">Violence Prevention</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/women">Women</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces">Joining Forces</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col"> <h4><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration">The Administration</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama">President Barack Obama</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-president-biden">Vice President Joe Biden</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/first-lady-michelle-obama">First Lady Michelle Obama</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/jill-biden">Dr. Jill Biden</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet">The Cabinet</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/staff">White House Staff</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop">Executive Office of the President</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/other-advisory-boards">Other Advisory Boards</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col"> <h4><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about">About the White House</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house">Inside the White House</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents">Presidents</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/first-ladies">First Ladies</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/oval-office">The Oval Office</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/vp-residence">The Vice President's Residence & Office</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/eeob">Eisenhower Executive Office Building</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/camp-david">Camp David</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/air-force-one">Air Force One</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows">White House Fellows</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships">White House Internships</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events">Tours & Events</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/mobile">Mobile Apps</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/tools">Tools You'll Use</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col"> <h4><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government">Our Government</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/executive-branch">The Executive Branch</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/legislative-branch">The Legislative Branch</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/judicial-branch">The Judicial Branch</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/the-constitution">The Constitution</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/federal-agencies-and-commissions">Federal Agencies & Commissions</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/elections-and-voting">Elections & Voting</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/state-and-local-government">State & Local Government</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/resources">Resources</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="sub-footer" class="clearfix"> <div class="clear"><img src="/web/20140925060613im_/http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/themes/whitehouse/img/sftr-whgov.gif" alt="The White House Emblem" title="" width="331" height="14"/></div> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/espanol">En español</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/accessibility">Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/copyright">Copyright Information</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/privacy/archive2">Privacy Policy</a></li> <li class="last"><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments">Contact</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/http://usa.gov/">USA.gov</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140925060613/http://www.whitehouse.gov/developers">Developers</a></li> <li class="last"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140925060613/https://apply.whitehouse.gov/">Apply for a Job</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> <![CDATA[//><!]]> </script> <div id="block-nodeblock-93157" class="clear-block block block-nodeblock "> <div class="content"><script type="text/javascript"> $(document).ready(function(){ $('#block-wh_microsite-microsite_header #edit-submit-1').attr('src' , '/sites/default/themes/whitehouse/img/buttons/btn-search-blue.png'); $('#block-wh_microsite-microsite_header #edit-submit').attr('src' , '/sites/default/themes/whitehouse/img/buttons/btn-search-blue.png'); }); </script></div> </div> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Ladders of Opportunity | The White House