How we can help the "forgotten middle" reach their full potential | Danielle R. Moss

TL;DR

This content discusses the importance of recognizing and supporting the "forgotten middle" - students, coworkers, and regular individuals who often go overlooked but have great potential.

Transcript

So, I want to talk to you about the forgotten middle. To me, they are the students, coworkers and plain old regular folks who are often overlooked because they're seen as neither exceptional nor problematic. They're the kids we think we can ignore because their needs for support don't seem particularly urgent. They're the coworkers who actually kee... Read More

Key Insights

• 👥 The forgotten middle, including students, coworkers, and regular folks, often go overlooked because they are not seen as exceptional or problematic.
• 🏫 High expectations and intentional support can help individuals in the middle reach their full potential.
• 🎓 Access to additional resources, like summer enrichment activities and internships, is necessary for all students to succeed, not just high-performing ones.
• 🔑 The cure for major global issues may reside within the forgotten middle, showcasing the untapped potential that exists within this group.
• 🏫 Providing tools, strategies, and support is essential for individuals in the middle to make progress in their lives.
• 👥 Creating a sense of accountability and instilling a sense of responsibility in the middle can lead to their success.
• 🎒 Visualization and creating a college-going community can help young people from similar backgrounds aspire to and achieve higher education.
• 🌍 The investment in the middle benefits communities and the world as a whole, as it supports individuals in reaching their full potential and making a positive impact.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who are the "forgotten middle" mentioned in the video?

The "forgotten middle" refers to students, coworkers, and regular individuals who are often overlooked because they are neither exceptional nor problematic.

Q: Why are the people in the middle often overlooked?

The people in the middle are often overlooked because their needs for support do not seem urgent, and they are not perceived as innovators who drive excellence.

Q: How did the speaker's mother help her get out of the middle?

The speaker's mother moved her to a different school, signed her up for leadership activities, and talked to her more seriously about college and career options.

Q: What did the speaker do to help young people get out of the middle?

The speaker began with high expectations for young people and shifted from asking if they wanted to go to college to asking them which college they would like to attend. They also provided them with tools, strategies, and support, held them accountable, and created programs and events on college campuses.

Q: What is the result of investing in the middle?

Investing in the middle can lead to transformative outcomes for young people and communities. It can result in high college graduation rates, opportunities for study abroad and global careers, and the development of professionals in various fields. It also ensures that diverse backgrounds and identities are not barriers to accessing opportunities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The "forgotten middle" refers to individuals who are often overlooked because they are neither exceptional nor problematic. They are the students and coworkers who don't seem to have urgent support needs but have potential for more achievement.

• High expectations and intentional support can help individuals in the middle reach their full potential. Providing opportunities for additional resources, like internships and enrichment activities, can help them excel.

• Investing in the middle can have a positive impact on individuals, communities, and organizations. It is important to challenge biases, provide support and structure, and create inclusive environments that uphold equity.