Former White House Domestic Policy Advisors Join Opportunity Nation Campaign

Chief Policy Advisors to Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush join bipartisan campaign to help rebuild the economic ladder of success in America

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At a time when partisanship seems to have stalled progress on virtually every significant challenge facing America, Opportunity Nation announced today that former Director of the Obama Administration's Domestic Policy Council, Melody Barnes will join John Bridgeland, former Director of Domestic Policy for President George W. Bush as members of the Opportunity Nation Leadership Council.

"The future should be determined by hard work and the passion to succeed, not a child's zip code at time of birth," Melody Barnes said on her appointment. "I'm thrilled to be joining Opportunity Nation and working with John and other distinguished leaders to ensure that the American Dream is available to every man, woman, and child in our country." 

"There is a widening opportunity gap in America that is inconsistent with our nation's ideals," said John Bridgeland.  "Unless we create a better educational pipeline and training for good jobs, we will continue to lack qualified workers who can both meet the demands of our economy and support strong families and communities.  There is growing bipartisan will to create a true Opportunity Nation for all and I am excited to work with Melody and the rest of the team to develop new, innovative, and bipartisan ideas to do just that."

Opportunity Nation is working to forge a set of bipartisan policy proposals that governments at every level and political persuasion can use to provide their constituents with a greater ability to climb the economic ladder of success.

"We are delighted that two of the brightest minds from both sides of the political divide have decided to come together to tackle this key issue," said Mark Edwards, executive director of Opportunity Nation. "The American Dream has never and should never be a partisan one."

This September, Opportunity Nation will host its second national Summit to shine a spotlight on one of the earliest and most critical rungs on the ladder of opportunity: ensuring that the rising generation is equipped with the skills needed to compete in the current and future economies.  The campaign will release a bold set of bipartisan, pragmatic ideas that illuminate pathways to success beyond just a four-year degree, including those that link education to work.

www.opportunitynation.org

CONTACT:
Christopher Cashman, 212-804-6370
[email protected]

SOURCE Opportunity Nation