Tracking Opportunity in America

Opportunity is one of America’s most cherished and powerful ideals. It has drawn millions to our shores in search of a better life, and it sustains the dreams of those born here.  It is articulated in the seminal ideas and documents of the nation’s founding, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

It is reinforced in the human rights laws that the United States helped to craft a half-century ago and has sought to champion around the world. Americans have fought to protect opportunity during periods of great conflict and challenge such as World War II and during the civil and human rights struggles that marked the latter half of the twentieth century.

Today, however, after more than five decades of progress, opportunity in the United States is at a crossroads. The Opportunity Agenda tracks a number of indicators of opportunity and reports on its overall status.  We hope these reports, and their associated tools, help to draw clear lines between our country's policy priorities and their impact on opportunity in America.