The horizon is bright.

For pennies on the dollar we can create the foundations for the future of inner-city neighborhoods.

1.) Invest in the open internet. Whether broadband infrastructure, competitive wireless service, or municipal wifi, we need internet access in every home in every metropolitan area in the country. Mobile is great for learning, but we need robust tech to allow for kids to download and upload creations. I can’t download an audible book on LTE for a reason. Mobile networks and mobile phones are not replacements for kids to use professional tools now.

2.) Capitalize on density. More kids live in a square block radius on the north side of St. Louis than entire neighborhoods out in the suburbs. These neighborhoods are dense in human capital, but still sparse in kids who feel connected. Instead, our neighborhoods alienate them. Let’s build structures outside of the school context that allow for good work and ideas to spread in these areas.

3.) Allow for play. We will not solve our problems pushing kids into math, reading and science classrooms. If education is a billion dollar industry in the U.S., let’s make outside of school learning a billion dollar industry too. And no, I’m not talking about MOOCS. Give kids opportunity to make, find collaborators, and markets for their inventions.

4.) Anchor somewhere other than graduation. I get it. School is important. But millions care deeply about graduation rates, yet over 60% of students in St. Louis dropped out from High School last year. Over the next 10 years many will focus on graduation rates, rather than focusing on what kids are doing outside of school. Let’s create better opportunities out of school, and have schools compete for engagement. We applaud when a young actor drops out of school to pursue career, or if an athlete misses time to pursue a path to the pros. Graduating from high school in and of itself guarantees you nothing if you can create something on your own. I’m not advocating dropping out of school, but I think we can set our collective sights higher.

5.) Let kids plan this. I rarely see kids actively involved in creating better communities for themselves. They need to become involved if things are going to change.

The solutions to these problems are complex but not complicated. They are valuable but not costly.

It’s going to take time, but it’s worth it.