You may be using an older version of the Adobe Flash Player. To enjoy multimedia content on WGBH.org, please click here to upgrade to the latest version of the free Flash player.

Trying to Achieve the American Dream in Boston
May 23, 2007
Elisabeth D. Babcock president, Crittenton Women's Union
Carole Berotte Joseph president, MassBay Community College
Casey Recupero executive director, Year Up
Jeffrey Sanchez state representative, D-MA
Shirley Leung Sunday business editor, Boston Globe

Panelists explore what structures and networks are available to give Boston residents the reading, writing, science, and math skills they need to find solid employment and move into financial stability.

According to a recent poll conducted by United Way analyzing the availability of the American Dream, one of the biggest obstacles perceived by Bostonians was financial issues and problems with the local economy, including a lack of stable, well-paying jobs. This is especially true among minorities; almost 80% of Black residents said the lack of good paying jobs is a major obstacle to achieving the American Dream in Boston, and over 60% of Latino residents agreed.

But what are the keys to securing well-paid, stable jobs? And how can we ensure employment opportunities are equally available to all of Greater Boston's residents? What roles can community colleges play in enhancing Boston's workforce? Is there a place for non-profit organizations in preparing residents for quality jobs? Are we adequately preparing our workforce for a future in the state's leading industries, like health, biotech, and service? How can we improve?

Business & Economics | Culture & Identity
Activism | Community Building | Personal Finance | Lifestyle | Race
WGBH
National Commission on Teaching and America's Future
Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action for the 21st Century
James Orbinski
00:59:29
Physician and humanitarian James Orbinski discusses his new book, An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action for the Twenty-First Century.
Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Town Hall: Part I
Malik Neal
00:50:40
CSI:NY's Hill Harper and filmmaker Gary Ross join local students and a panel of esteemed local experts for a timely Town Hall Meeting entitled, "Lincoln, Douglass and the Transformative Power of Words." The event seeks to underscore the importance of education in the lives of Abraham Lincol
Raj Patel: How to Reshape Market Society and Redefine Democracy
Raj Patel
00:55:45
Activist Raj Patel discusses his new book, The Value of Nothing: How to Reshape Market Society and Redefine Democracy, with radio's On Point producer, John Wihbey.
Poverty and Social Justice Challenges in the US: Part II
Marian Wright Edelman
00:45:07
Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund, and Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, discuss the social, economic, and educational challenges facing this country. New York Times columnist Bob Herbert moderates.
Laughs with Planet Washington
Ken Rynne
The comedy duo Planet Washington opens Cambridge Forum's 2009 fall season with a benefit performance. Ken Rynne, an alum of the renowned Capitol Steps troupe, and his faithful piano accompanist, Frank Plumer, are Planet Washington.
Poverty and Social Justice Challenges in the US: Part I
Marian Wright Edelman
00:44:48
Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund, and Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, discuss the social, economic, and educational challenges facing this country. New York Times columnist Bob Herbert moderates.

There are no books associated with this lecture.

Login or register to post comments