The American Next
'Pockets of change:' Losing faith in institutions, Missourians look to themselves for solutions
As the American Dream proves more elusive, a recent study says Americans have given up on government and other institutions. But there are pockets of hope among groups that look for success on a smaller scale.
AMERICAN NEXT: Residents in Chillicothe discuss politics, civil rights
In small towns in mid-Missouri, people of different ages and origins sound off about the political and social issues that matter to them.
AMERICAN NEXT: Young politicians say young voters are insufficiently involved
Missouri state Rep. Stephen Webber and 44th District seat candidate Caleb Rowden are young politicians looking at ways to inspire young voters to become active in their community.
In Centralia, people discuss politics with cynicism, hope for opportunity
In Small Town, USA, families discuss the election and possibilities for their futures.
Mexico, Mo., millennials discuss elections and the nature of change
As part of the American Next project, a look at the concerns of young Missourians in Mexico and their perspective on the election, the next generation and America's future.
St. Charles West high schoolers on the American Dream
About 100 freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors took time in classes to talk about their personal hopes and fears and how their aspirations fit into the broader future of the country.
GRAPHIC: Cost of education, student debt increasing
Costs for college continue to rise which has led to an increase in the number of students borrowing money to pay for their education.
Ahmed Abdalla, Somali refugee, learns reality of the American Dream
As a resettled refugee, Ahmed Abdalla’s American Dream already came true: He’s here. Seven years later, he is still learning what that means.
DOWNLOADABLE EBOOK: The American Next
Young Missourians redefine the American Dream.
Couple turns childhoods of poverty into wealth for their own children
For all their hard work and planning, Sean and Darline Mabins don't see their good fortune solely as the result of their efforts. They also know that it's a blessing from God.
Small-town community living drives family relationships in Rocheport
The close-knit town has drawn in two 20-something women who have opted for a quieter, and quainter, existence. Eschewing the bustle of the city, they're choosing the simple life in this tiny Missouri town as the spot to lead their lives.
Second-generation immigrant struggles to find motivation of his parents
Ezana Gebru, 25, has idled in college for seven years and remains a semester away from finishing his degrees. His parents are Ethiopian immigrants, who, through dogged determination, narrowly escaped poverty and persecution to chase the American Dream. Now Ezana is trying to find his footing in his parents' world as well as his own.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Springfield couple cites education, hard work, marriage for success
For this Springfield couple, the American Dream is about being comfortable. They'll explain what comfort is to them and how they achieved their personal American Dream.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Sarah Johnson, 38, St. Louis bookstore
Sarah Johnson, aka Jonesey, explains her life and what events led her to come up with her personalized version of the American Dream.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Caleb Foglesong, 18, Kirksville
Caleb Foglesong, 18, is a senior and the student body president at Kirksville High School. He analyzes the class divide within the high school and shares his theory of what makes children become successful in life.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Brett Moser, 26, Kirksville
I see some people who say that the American Dream is just getting by — it's just surviving. It's just doing what you have to do to put food on the table and make things work.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Joel Booth thinks about history and the American Dream
Our generation has been given more than any other generation, and we have to retrain our thinking. Instead of being expected to be given something, we have to expect to earn what we’re gonna get.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: High school student rejects the 'American Dream,' aims for personal success
Ryan Stahlschmidt, 18, sees 'the American Dream' as a bygone relic of generations past. A self-described realist, Stahlschmidt hopes to achieve success on his own terms.
Recapping the American Dream
A collection of reflections on the American Dream from various journalists and writers as the country celebrates its 236th birthday.
Jasmine Mack, 18, Kirksville
Jasmine Mack, 18, has big dreams. She wants to travel the world and become a teacher so she can work with children. She also plans to attend Moberly Area Community College, but all of this depends on her finances.
