Center for American Progress

RELEASE: New CAP Interactives and Video Explore Economic Benefits of Closing Academic Achievement Gaps
Press Release

RELEASE: New CAP Interactives and Video Explore Economic Benefits of Closing Academic Achievement Gaps

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Center for American Progress published a series of four interactives, along with a video, that explore the economic benefits of closing academic achievement gaps between children of color and their white counterparts. These dynamic tools examine the current inequality landscape and then delve deeper into America’s future workforce, the impact of a child’s home life on academic achievement, and the economic benefits of closing racial gaps.

CAP’s new interactives show that closing the educational gaps today would increase gross domestic product by $2.3 trillion by the year 2050.

This number illustrates the tremendous benefits that the United States will reap if key investments are made today to prepare children for success.

“We know that what happens inside and outside the classroom affects our children’s education. Access to quality pre-K, having enough books to read and opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, along with the basic necessities of life such as health care, enough food to eat, and a safe place to live are all part of what is needed for our kids to thrive,” said Vanessa Cárdenas, Vice President of Progress 2050 at American Progress.

Rising income inequality—along with the knowledge that test scores skew much higher for non-Hispanic whites than their non-white counterparts—are indications that building equity in education for all children is a financially and morally sound strategy for the future of the United States.

“By investing in common-sense, effective policies inside and outside the classroom, we can give all of our children the opportunity to succeed academically, which will eventually help them obtain better jobs with the skills needed to become active, contributing members of society,” said Cárdenas.

For more information or to speak to an expert on this topic, please contact Tanya S. Arditi at [email protected] or 202-741-6258.

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