Nov. 22, 2022

Income disparity in the U.S. has recently gotten more extreme, with the wealthiest 20% getting wealthier and all other groups staying stagnant. It's harder than ever for those born into poverty here to ever break out.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Bay Area of California, where the rapid growth of Silicon Valley brought thousands of new, high-paid workers to a small geographical area, driving up prices, and displacing long-term residents.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf decided to tackle this challenge head on by focusing on a known pathway out of poverty and into high-skilled jobs: education.

Building on traditional 'promise' programs, Mayor Schaaf and a broad coalition developed a "cradle to career" strategy, combining existing programs like the East Bay College Fund and added new supports like education savings accounts for low-income children, financial training for parents, and an army of volunteer mentors. The goal: to provide an entire generation of Oakland students with the means and support to earn a college degree or trade certificate.

With early support from the Oakland Public Education Fund, The Moriah Fund, and donors like you, we started documenting this potentially game-changing initiative from its launch in 2016.

Given our experience and track record, we know we can make this film a compelling and inspiring one, and ensure it makes an impact. There are around 400 college promise programs in the U.S. today; what if this film could double that? What if it inspires more volunteers and increases philanthropy aimed at the education equity challenge? And what if more students believe they can achieve their dreams because they see that it's possible?

When you donate to the Oakland PromiseOakland Promise Documentary,Documentary, you will become a part of this mission and journey. We would love to have you on board.