Kenneth Penn

We all see the headlines: free clinic opens, job training program launched, affordable housing initiative underway. Each is a victory, a step towards a brighter future for struggling communities. But what if the true power lies not in these individual efforts, but in how they work together? Disadvantage in a

Skills not Diplomas There's a promising rumble in the corporate world: a move away from rigid degree requirements and towards skills-based hiring. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/10/business/corporate-firms-meritocracy-elite.html?smtyp=cur&smid=li-nytimes This is great news for economic development, particularly in disadvantaged communities!

Have you ever heard someone brag about the low unemployment rate, suggesting the economy is booming? It's a common metric, but there's more to the story, especially in disadvantaged communities. Here's why a seemingly strong unemployment rate can be misleading. The Hidden Struggle: Beyond

Imagine a table with a delicious pie. Everyone wants a slice, but there's a fear that if someone gets a bigger piece, there won't be enough left for others. That's the zero-sum mentality holding us back from true inclusion in our communities. But what

The quote attributed to Alexander Den Heijer, "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower," resonates deeply. Disadvantaged communities, like delicate flowers, often struggle to thrive due to systemic challenges. Simply addressing the external environment, however, might not

Disconnected youth - young people who are neither in school nor employed - face a multitude of challenges. These challenges are even steeper for those in minority and impoverished communities. But there is hope. By investing in smart solutions, we can help these young people find their path to a

Ever heard that saying, "It's not the strongest or smartest who survive, but the ones who adapt best"? Makes sense, right? The world's always changing, so being able to roll with the punches is key. But things get trickier when you look at the

Imagine a village nestled beside a river. Children, vibrant and full of potential, play along the banks. But the water, once life-giving, now carries a hidden danger. One by one, babies fall ill, their cries echoing through the community. The villagers rush to the river, pulling children from the water,