{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Move the City FWD Podcast ","title":"Economic Mobility Starts Early: Emily Westergaard on Education, Opportunity & Health","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2679,"description":"What if economic mobility starts in kindergarten?\nCorey sits down with Emily Westergaard, Executive Director of By Degrees Foundation, to explore how early exposure to education, careers, financial literacy, and trusted mentors can shape a child’s future.\nEmily shares how By Degrees works alongside Des Moines students and their families from kindergarten through graduation, helping young people see possibilities they may not have known existed.\nThe conversation also explores the connection between education, financial stability, mental and physical health, and why creating healthier communities requires more than healthcare alone.\nEmily will join the Economic Mobility & Access panel at the 5th Annual My City My Health Conference on November 13, 2026.\nSHOW NOTES\nIn this episode of the Move the City FWD Podcast, Corey talks with Emily Westergaard, Executive Director of By Degrees Foundation, about what it takes to create real pathways toward economic mobility.\nEmily explains why By Degrees starts working with students and families in kindergarten rather than waiting until high school to begin conversations about college, careers, trades, apprenticeships, and other opportunities.\nThey discuss:\nWhy conversations about careers and education should start in elementary school\nHow early exposure helps young people imagine new possibilities for themselves\nWhy families must be included in conversations about a child’s future\nHow By Degrees brings college and career experiences directly to students\nThe role of mentors and representation in helping young people see what is possible\nHow 529 education savings accounts can help build both financial resources and hope\nWhy financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and college costs need to be explained much earlier\nHow By Degrees has helped parents pursue their own education and high school equivalency credentials\nWhy meeting people where they are can remove barriers to education\nThe connection between education, financial stability,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/jnuh-Oux_sXjYC10XTEGlFo836z-hNEV5--7eShZnXs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kNDVl/Njc5ZWM2ZGQ0MDRl/YWI2ZjVjNTkzYjc5/OGEyYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}