Charlotte remains last among the 50 largest US cities and Mecklenburg 99 out of 100 counties in upward mobility. A city task force was devised and identified three interrelated determinants that have the greatest influence on the opportunity trajectory of an individual – Early Care and Education, College and Career Readiness, and Child and Family Stability. Early Care and Education, as well as Child and Family Stability, is the top priority of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County. Funding and/or operating over 20 programs throughout the community, Smart Start and its partners work tirelessly to improve conditions for our County’s youngest citizens so that they can be successful in life. From administering the County’s MECK Pre-K program to over 1,600 children this year to driving awareness campaigns around early brain development, Smart Start-funded programs are paving the way for positive futures for the over 80,000 children under age five in our community. This year’s Opportunity for Influence Campaign brings together early childhood professionals and dedicated individuals from throughout the community. Our virtual event, Opportunity for Influence: a Digital Experience and campaign allows us to focus on the opportunities being provided for children prenatal-to-five throughout Mecklenburg County while highlighting the work being done daily by local Influencers – everyday champions who are positively impacting young people in our County. We hope you will join us in this engaging discussion and show your commitment to influencing the outcome for our young children.