Celebrating Our Community's Response
Leading on OpportunityWhen Charlotte was ranked last among major US cities in economic mobility for children, our community took action. The Leading on Opportunity report provides a roadmap for improving social and economic mobility for all residents. Following it's strategies, our community's public, private and nonprofit sectors are focusing on systemic and structural change to improve our children's future. While there is still much work to be done, our commitment is showing tangible results. Read highlights of our community's commitment.
Learn MoreLeading on Opportunity Launches Community Impact Alliance
March 2019 Convening and Opportunity CafeNearly 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.
Read MoreNational Workforce Training Nonprofit Year Up Launches Year Up Charlotte
PR Web • Year Up - February 20, 2019Continuing 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.
Read More$70 Million for Affordable Housing in Charlotte
Charlotte Observer • Eli Portillo - January 15, 2019Three 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.
Read MoreCommunity Impact Director Speaks to Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners at Budget Priority Public Hearing
Yuly Rodriguez, Community Impact Director, Leading on Opportunity - January 15, 2019It 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.
Read MoreLeading on Opportunity's Executive Director Reflects on Tradition
Creative Mornings CLT • Matt Olin - December 7, 2018On 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.
Read MoreLeading on Opportunity Council Spotlight: Jennifer Weber and James E. Ford
Charlotte Business Journal • Bank of America - November 30, 2018Get 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.
Read MoreCharting the Civic Landscape: The Interested Bystander in Charlotte Context Report
Knight Foundation & Google • UNC Charlotte Urban Institute & Johnson C. Smith University - November 30, 2018Charlotte is paradoxical in many ways, with social, economic and political impediments that confound equitable growth, opportunity, and prosperity for those that reside within its political jurisdiction.
Read MoreLeading on Opportunity Council Spotlight: Ray McKinnon and Dena Diorio
Charlotte Business Journal • Bank of America - November 23, 2018Get 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 Ray McKinnon and Dena Diorio.
Read MoreLocal Leaders Discuss Challenges Faced by First-Generation College Students.
Charlotte Business Journal • Bank of America - November 16, 2018During a recent discussion at Queens University of Charlotte, a group of community leaders shared their personal experiences as first-generation college students and talked about resources available to help current students.
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