In this book, the author tells the story of how he founded the pioneering Citizen Schools program to combat rising inequality by bringing the same opportunities to children who don't have access to them. By increasing learning time and harnessing the power of an army of volunteers with various skills and professional backgrounds, Citizen Schools offers after-school apprenticeships that provide the building blocks for adult success--Back cover.

The imperative of equal opportunity and the importance of Citizen Schools -- The opportunity equation -- Section One: Building blocks. Maureen -- "It's my turn" -- Turning point -- Organization man -- The Eddy is ready -- Scale, spread, and the pursuit of systemic change. Section Two: How citizen power and an expanded learning day can narrow achievement gaps, broaden opportunity, and strengthen America. Voices from Citizen Schools: Joyce King Thomas, volunteer -- Citizen power and the importance of mentory -- It's about time -- From a nation of consumers to a nation of makers: inspiring creativity and innovative thinking in our schools -- Social networks and social skills -- Supporting teachers, and parents too -- Lindy Smalt, AmeriCops teaching fellow. Section Three: Next steps for American and for you. A civic Marshal Plan for equal opportunity -- Agostinha DePina, student -- Expanded learning time schedule with Citizen Schools.