The American Dream holds different meanings for everyone. For some, it may be a matter of climbing a ladder through hard work and determination. To others, it may be finding a balance between wealth and prosperity. In many younger generations, it’s about standing out and achieving academic success in a competitive world.
In today’s world, however, people are questioning whether the American Dream remains attainable. Success feels more complicated than ever, with rising costs, a growing emphasis on higher education, and increasing inequality. Through the views of local leaders and experts, groups striving to help others achieve stability, and younger generations deciding how to live their lives, it is clear that the American dream has a different definition for all.
“You don’t have to be all those things that some societies say you need to succeed,” said Barry Hathaway, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JobTrain. “What you have to do is be tenacious and willing to work for what you want.”
Building a dream from the ground up
JobTrain, based in Palo Alto, California, has a mission to make the American Dream possible for individuals who have been left out. They aim to help people, regardless of their circumstances, build the skills to find a job and begin their career, and assist them in achieving economic stability. Most clients are young adults with families to support and a goal of escaping poverty and achieving happiness, while being open to working for it.
When Hathaway was attending community college, he suddenly became a parent and needed to find a career that could support his family and help him get his life started. He needed to find a job, but as a teenager, this task was challenging. However, he was introduced to a technology company by a friend, making the process easier.
According to SmartAsset, for a family of four in California to live sustainably, the required annual income is $287,456, making it the third-most-expensive state to live in. This also does not account for the even higher prices in Silicon Valley.
When the cost of living is not proportional to wages, every little thing makes a difference. JobTrain assists with childcare, transportation, and any necessary equipment or uniforms required for the occupation in which their clients participate. Hathaway emphasizes the importance of providing guidance and support to those who are willing to put in the effort.
“You don’t have to be all those things that some societies say you need to succeed. What you have to do is be tenacious and willing to work for what you want,” Hathaway said.
Often, people look to college as the primary means of achieving a successful career. Still, Hathaway is hopeful that employers are beginning to consider a person’s skills, rather than their level of education, when making hiring decisions. Through programs like JobTrain, where clients learn the necessary skills, they will go just as far.
“There’s a recognition that skills-based learning for many fields can be an antidote to not having a college degree,” Hathaway said.
Hathaway also feels that artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to level the playing field for those who are currently less fortunate. Typically, the technology that our world is centered around reaches low-income communities last.
“AI is a technology that low-income families can have access to now. It can help with writing cover letters and resumes, as well as preparing for an interview. There are a lot of equity strategies built into the concept of AI that we are going to take advantage of,” Hathaway said.
A promise stretched thin
Even though non-profit organizations like JobTrain exist, there are still factors of inequality in wealth, background, and education that limit who can reach their version of the American dream.
The San Carlos Community Foundation collaborates with local nonprofits to raise funds that support community projects and address the area’s needs. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life by supporting youth programs, the arts, and mental health services, while also fostering community connections.
Linda Garvey, a member of the foundation board for the past three years and a former Carlmont High School history teacher, emphasizes the importance of one’s upbringing and the resources available to them in shaping their ability to achieve the American Dream.
Garvey, born into the baby boomer generation, believes that the American Dream has undergone significant changes over time. In the past, life was all about prosperity: public schools were considered a good form of education, college was inexpensive, and people were not left in debt trying to become successful.
“The idea that people could be prosperous, but not ultra wealthy, and still have a good education and a fulfilling job was what I grew up with,” Garvey said.
Today, Garvey feels that the overall concept of the American Dream is defined by material wealth and success, making it far more complicated.
“We’ve lost the middle class; it is now a very small part of the population, and only about 1% of the population controls a lot of the wealth, making it very difficult for the working or even middle class to have opportunities for a good education,” Garvey said.
According to Pew Internet Research, in 1971, approximately 61% of adults lived in middle-class households, but by 2021, this had decreased to about 50%.
As access to wealth becomes increasingly complex, opportunities for a high-quality education have become limited. Throughout her time as a teacher, she saw an increase in emphasis on students challenging themselves more, taking more Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and wanting to earn more money overall.
“I think the stress factor increased over time, and in terms of the American Dream, I don’t think kids would have defined it that way. They would have considered it a sign of success,” Garvey said.
The importance of higher education and attending college is becoming increasingly prevalent. According to Pew Internet Research, a growing gap exists between adults who hold a bachelor’s degree and those with lower levels of education.
While determination is great, Garvey believes that working your way up from nothing, especially in this economy, is a myth.
“I don’t know if that is what I absolutely think anymore, because I think that your position in society, where you come from, the privileges you have in terms of your economic and educational background, determine a lot more of how you can succeed,” Garvey said.
Chasing success while searching for joy
Garvey’s view on the importance of education in today’s world resonates with students even more strongly.
Ellyssa Won, a Carlmont High School sophomore, views the American Dream as finding joy in what she does.
“I consider happiness to be a version of success,” Won said.
Still, in this day and age, especially in the Bay Area, finding a balance between happiness and academic success can be very challenging.
“At a time like this, it’s very hard for students to reach pure happiness because they are under a lot of academic stress, especially those taking advanced classes or who find it challenging to keep up with their school work,” Won said.
As the American Dream becomes increasingly focused on academic success and competition grows, students find that pressure from peers and parents results in even more stress.
“Parents put a lot of pressure on you to be the best person you can be and live up to their expectations,” Won said.
As a result, Won seeks alternative measures to ensure happiness throughout her academic career.
“I have shifted from setting larger goals to smaller goals along the way. That way, I feel like they are achievable and I can feel happiness from it,” Won said.
A new beginning, a new definition
Often, happiness comes from the freedom to do what you like on your own terms.
Pranita Venkatesh, the Vice Mayor of San Carlos, immigrated to the United States from Fiji when she was two years old. Her family came in search of better schools and overall better opportunities, and found more freedom here. This includes the freedom to dress as one wishes, freedom of speech and religion, greater equality for women, and, most importantly, freedom from poverty.
“When you are an immigrant here, poverty often comes to mind. Freedom is how I would define the American Dream,” Venkatesh said.
When Venkatesh entered high school, her father transitioned from teaching to working in electronics, realizing that this was a more realistic career path to support a family. They later bought their first house and were financially secure. Venkatesh sees this moment as the achievement of the American Dream.
Given her role in the community, Venkatesh believes that residents still hold the view that hard work leads to success. In her part-time job, she works with many young families, and finds that they move to San Carlos to give their children a better life.
“We live in a bubble here in San Carlos, where financial stability is pretty common. People who live here believe in the American Dream, and I don’t think they would live here if they didn’t,” Venkatesh said.
However, this does not make the cost of living any more affordable. According to Vital Signs, in 2024, the most affordable housing options in the Bay Area are located in Solano County, where the median price was $538,000, which is approximately 51% lower than the regional average. Still, this is more than the national average in 2024.
The local government strives to make a positive impact and is aware of the community’s needs; however, it cannot control what the federal government supports or does not.
Despite economic challenges, Venkatesh still believes the American Dream can be achieved through alternative means.
“If you work hard and give back to your community, the American Dream is still possible,” Venkatesh said.
This is how Hathaway arrived at his current position. While facing the challenges of being a parent and a student, Hathaway demonstrated that determination and support for others in need can lead to achieving one’s ultimate goal. His own experience, starting from the beginning and achieving his idea of the American Dream, led him to want to help others who wish to put in the work but have not had the opportunity to achieve their goals.
“I had the experience of climbing the career ladder, going back to college as a full-time single dad, working full-time. So it’s possible, it’s just what it takes,” Hathaway said.
Jacquelyn Farrell • Jan 28, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Excellent article Alex! I am very impressed!