Pull yourself up by your bootstraps is a widely held belief encapsulating the American Dream: anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success through hard work. But is it possible today? Has it ever been? Current studies consistently show that now, more than ever, the most significant predictor of an American child’s future income and wealth is the income and wealth of their family.

StraightTalk 2025 examined challenges within key parts of society—education, work, and place of origin—that make the cycle of poverty difficult to break, driving America’s increasing wealth gap and shrinking middle class. Speakers discussed policies, efforts, and systemic changes needed to create pathways that can lead to upward economic mobility for all.

StraightTalk is carried out annually in partnership with OLLI@Furman. The 2025 event was also generously sponsored by Hollingsworth Funds and a number of campus partners.