The American Dream is alive and well in North Dakota. A recent study by the Archbridge Institute illuminates the state’s remarkable position as the seventh-best state in the nation for social mobility, a testament to our vibrant economy, robust community networks, and its residents’ unyielding pursuit of progress. This isn’t about numbers; it’s a narrative of real lives uplifted by the opportunities North Dakota offers. It is where education, entrepreneurship, and community involvement weave together to form a ladder of success accessible to all.

At the core of social mobility are four key pillars: entrepreneurship and economic growth; institutions and the rule of law; education and skills development; and social capital. North Dakota excels in fostering an environment where these pillars not only stand tall but also interconnect, creating a robust framework for individual achievement and collective prosperity. It’s a place where the dream of starting a business is buoyed by a supportive regulatory landscape, where the rule of law ensures fairness and opportunity, and where education extends beyond classrooms, embedding itself in the fabric of communities. Social capital, where the state ranks second, isn’t just a term; it’s a lived experience, with neighbors coming together in times of need, as vividly demonstrated during the Fargo floods. This interplay of factors doesn’t just support the theoretical notion of upward mobility; it actively constructs a reality where dreams can be pursued and realized.

Continue reading at The Bismarck Tribune.

 

John Bitzan is the director of the Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth at North Dakota State University.

Justin Callais, PhD, is the Chief Economist at the Archbridge Institute. He leads the institute’s “Social Mobility in the 50 States” project and conducts original research on economic mobility, economic freedom, economic development, and institutional analysis. Follow his work @JustinTCallais and subscribe to his newsletter, Debunking Degrowth.

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