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“Working Class to College” exposes an education class divide that is threatening the American Dream of upward social mobility and sowing resentment among those shut out or staggering under crushing debt.

The book addresses ways to reduce college costs and shares the inspiring accounts of those who have endured all sorts of hardship — homelessness, an incarcerated parent, dangerously low self-esteem — and fought their way to college and commencement.

The author, Robert Carr, a financially-strapped teenager who caught a break as a high school senior more than 50 years ago, has devoted his fortune and mission to Give Something Back, which provides mentoring and need-based scholarships that give blue-collar kids the opportunity to graduate in four years without student debt.

Quotes:

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope and someone who believes in them. Working Class to College shows how hardship can translate to scholarship. ”

-Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, NBA Hall of Famer and advocate for underserved urban communities

“Robert Carr has experienced firsthand the power of higher education to transform lives. His personal story and this compelling book serve to inspire, challenge and uplift all who seek to have a positive impact on society and to create opportunity for individuals.”

-Dr. Susan A. Cole, President, Montclair State University

“Working Class to College shines a light on students who have everything but money. Against a backdrop of crushing student debt and heartbreaking dropout rates, this book examines the pitfalls and pathways from humble backgrounds to ivory towers.”

-Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of the Washington, DC, public schools, and founder of StudentsFirst and TNTP

“With a seamless mix of insightful advice, policy prescriptions, and touching real-world student stories, Bob Carr has provided a wonderful guide for both college-bound students and educational leaders.”

-Dr. John Comerford, President, Blackburn College

“By exploring different paths to higher education and ways to minimize unnecessary student debt, this book delivers the important message of educational opportunity. Stories of hardworking students who overcame varied obstacles to achieve a college education with the help of Give Back powerfully illustrate this message while inspiring readers.”

-Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, President, Rowan University