Reclaiming the American Dream
Pathways to Economic Mobility in Forsyth County
For generations, the American Dream promised that hard work would lead to a good and stable life. But in Winston-Salem—and across the country—that dream has grown increasingly out of reach.
A 2014 landmark study by economist Dr. Raj Chetty ranked Winston-Salem near the bottom—third worst—for economic mobility among counties in the United States. The data revealed what many in our community already know: a child’s future is too often determined by the zip code they grow up in. As this research makes clear, community matters. It shows us what’s possible when we invest in families, neighborhoods, schools, and systems that have been under-funded for decades.
New data from Dr. Chetty's recent visit shows that Forsyth County is making progress in the right direction. While the national rate of economic mobility for low income families declined by 4.2% over the last decade, Forsyth County experienced a 2.7% increase, one of the highest rates of increase across the country. (More context in Dr. Chetty’s slides below.)
While we celebrate this collective progress, we also acknowledge that there is still more work to do as a community. We invite you to remain committed to deepening learning, addressing inequities, and co-creating a future where every child and family has a pathway to opportunity, stability, and mobility.
Learn more about local data below, including organizations who are making a difference and ways to get involved.
ECONOMIC MOBILITY IN FORSYTH COUNTY
Everyone in our community benefits when we create more pathways to prosperity.
Climbing the economic ladder remains difficult in Forsyth County—especially for children born into low income families, who are more likely to continue receiving low wages as adults. We can shift this trend by expanding access to well-resourced schools, workforce training, mentorship, and strong community networks.
SOCIAL CAPITAL IN FORSYTH COUNTY
When we build relationships across differences, our community thrives.
Forsyth County has low economic connectedness—meaning people with high incomes and those with low incomes rarely interact socially. Bridging this divide through authentic relationships and inclusive institutions can lead to better opportunities and outcomes for everyone.
HOUSING IN FORSYTH COUNTY
We all do better when our neighborhoods are diverse.
Policies that divide us—like redlining, school segregation, and exclusionary zoning—have left lasting harm. These discriminatory practices continue to shape where people live and what opportunities are available to them. We can build a stronger future by reducing segregation through affordable housing and equity-focused policy reforms that expand opportunity for families in historically excluded communities.
EDUCATION IN FORSYTH COUNTY
Everyone deserves access to strong schools and affordable educational opportunities.
In Forsyth County, students from low-income households and students of color experience disparate educational outcomes from their peers. We can increase upward mobility by investing in early childhood education, ensuring all of our schools are highly resourced, and creating more pathways to post-secondary opportunities to help students grow their careers and support their families.
TRANSPORTATION IN FORSYTH COUNTY
When everyone can access opportunity, our whole economy grows.
In Forsyth County, jobs, schools, and essential services are spread out—and without reliable transportation, too many residents are cut off from opportunity. Decades of disinvestment and the construction of highways like route 52 disconnected East Winston-Salem from the city’s economic core. As one of the most car-dependent cities in the U.S., we must invest in more equitable and accessible transportation options.
Our Path Forward: Community-Driven Solutions
Reversing generations of inequality and disinvestment requires bold, community-led solutions.
In Forsyth County, we can create new pathways to opportunity by investing in strategies that expand opportunity, foster connection, and repair the harms of our past. Across our community, residents, nonprofits, and leaders are already working toward these goals. By aligning resources and policy to support community-led change, we can reclaim the promise of the American Dream—right here at home. Here's how:
- Expand Economic Opportunity
To reverse stagnant mobility, we must increase our investments in what works: strong schools, early childhood education, living-wage jobs, workforce development, mentorship, and career pathways for youth and adults. Supporting families with wraparound services and financial stability tools ensures that prosperity is within reach—not just for some, but for all. - Strengthen Social Connection
Programs that bring people together across lines of race and income—like mentoring, integrated schools, inclusive civic spaces, and leadership pipelines—build the kind of trust and connection that are essential for thriving communities. When relationships across difference and background are strong, opportunities grow. - Address the Legacy of Discrimination
We must name and undo the harm caused by discriminatory policies like redlining, urban renewal, and segregation. This means supporting affordable housing in high-opportunity neighborhoods, reforming zoning laws, and strategically investing in communities that have been left out for too long. - Build Equitable Transportation Networks
Reliable, affordable transportation is a bridge to opportunity. By investing in public transit, walkability, and transportation equity—especially in areas disconnected by past infrastructure decisions—we connect people to jobs, healthcare, education, and one another.
Get Connected to Local Partners Leading Change
This work is hard and takes all of us coming together to transform Forsyth County. Our local nonprofits are at the heart of this work and have the expertise, connections, and proposed solutions necessary to bring us forward.
The organizations below are creating real and lasting change and need your support. Connect with them to learn more, volunteer, donate, or advocate for their work.
partner with the foundation
The Winston-Salem Foundation is committed to addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Forsyth County today. As your community foundation, our goal is to be a strategic and intentional partner for community members like you, who want to make a difference.
Since 2018, we've focused a significant portion of our community investments in two key focus areas—Advancing Equity in Education and Building an Inclusive Economy. We developed these priorities after conducting community listening sessions and reviewing data that revealed significant educational, economic, and residential disparities in our community.
To partner with the Foundation and help us invest in organizations that are moving the needle for economic mobility, we invite you to make a gift below or contact our donor team for more opportunities to engage.
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