New ‘Atlas’ of Mobility Shows How Kids from Different Charlotte Neighborhoods Have Done

The Charlotte Observer • Ann Doss Helms and Galvin Off - October 1, 2018

Harvard economics professor Raj Chetty, lead author of that study, which also included researchers from University of California at Berkeley, heads a new nonprofit group called Opportunity Insights, dedicated to figuring out what can break the generational chains of poverty and racism.

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Celebrating Our Community's Response

Our 2017 Opportunity Report provides a roadmap for improving social and economic mobility for all residents. Following our strategies, our community's public, private and nonprofit sectors are improving our children's future.

Where is Charlotte today with economic mobility?

WBTV • Dedrick Russell

“We are really proud of where we are today, but we also know that there is a lot of work ahead," Leading On Opportunity Executive Director Stephanie Cooper-Lewter said. "We wanted to pause at the two year and celebrate community and then also call new people to the table and get engage and become a part of the movement.”

A New Story of School Segregation in North Carolina

The Washington Post • Valerie Strauss, Featuring Justin Parmenter - March 11, 2019

If you read the charter application Hobgood submitted to state officials, you might be inclined to think that the very purpose for the school’s existence is to lift children out of poverty by offering them a better education.

Leading on Opportunity Launches Community Impact Alliance

March 2019 Convening and Opportunity Cafe

Nearly 70 Opportunity Ambassadors from around the region came together throughout the afternoon with a common goal of improving economic mobility in Charlotte, while gathered at the International House on Central Avenue.

National Workforce Training Nonprofit Year Up Launches Year Up Charlotte

PR Web • Year Up - February 20, 2019

Continuing to expand its proven program to create pathways to meaningful employment for low-income youth, the national nonprofit Year Up announced today that it is launching a new site in Charlotte, North Carolina, with generous support from Bank of America and the John M. Belk Endowment and in partnership with Central Piedmont Community College and Leading on Opportunity, a nonprofit focused on improving economic mobility in Charlotte.

$70 Million for Affordable Housing in Charlotte

Charlotte Observer • Eli Portillo - January 15, 2019

Three major financial institutions are pledging more than $70 million to fund low-income housing developments in Charlotte, giving a boost to the city’s efforts to keep up with the fast-rising costs of renting or buying a home. Bank of America, Ally Financial and Barings said they will invest a combined $70.75 million through a series of initiatives. The bulk of it, $50 million, will be in the form of low-interest loans to private developers building income-restricted housing.

Community Impact Director Speaks to Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners at Budget Priority Public Hearing

Yuly Rodriguez, Community Impact Director, Leading on Opportunity - January 15, 2019

It is now our opportunity to rally behind our community, which in part includes the Latinx community, that represents one quarter of the children entering kindergarten in Charlotte every year - about 3,000 children.

Leading on Opportunity's Executive Director Reflects on Tradition

Creative Mornings CLT • Matt Olin - December 7, 2018

On Friday, December 7, 2018, hundreds of creative Charlotteans packed the halls of LaCa Projects – to explore the global theme of “Tradition.” As Executive Director of Leading on Opportunity, Dr. Cooper-Lewter’s talk is a timely and moving meditation on what it takes to create new Traditions that will lift up everyone in our community.

Leading on Opportunity Council Spotlight: Jennifer Weber and James E. Ford

Charlotte Business Journal • Bank of America - November 30, 2018

Get to know the members of the Leading on Opportunity Council. Here, we’ll get the perspective on the work to drive economic mobility across Charlotte and hear their vision for our city from Jennifer Weber and James E. Ford.