Chief Statistician Patrick Nolan Guyer represented our research partner Measure of America in this interview focusing on the new Historical Report of Opportunity.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Commerce joined the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Mile High United Way, the Office of Governor John Hickenlooper, the Office of Mayor Michael Hancock and Opportunity Nation to co-host the Denver Business and Community Partnerships Summit.

By several measures, America is becoming more educated, but young people may have less opportunity now than in 1990. The national high school graduation rate is the highest it's been in decades, and the percentage of adults with some form of college degree has also been on the rise. Nationwide, about 26 percent of adults over 25 had at least an associate's degree in 2010.

The nation enjoys more opportunity today than it did 40 years ago, according to Opportunity Nation’s Tuesday report. That measure is a conglomerate of indicators in three broad categories: community, education and economy.

Secretary Hillary Clinton referenced Opportunity Nation's commitment to reduce youth unemployment at CGI America 2014.

Cell phones, cable television, and social media have done precious little to improve upward mobility in the United States over the last two generations. Some regions of the country are thriving while others are sinking. Where you live will tell you whether you're one of the haves or the have-nots.

Despite increased opportunities for upward mobility in the United States, poverty and income inequality has risen sharply from 1970 to 2010. A study by Opportunity Nation showed that opportunity for upward mobility in the country increased 13% from 1970 to 2010, despite a 22% decline in economic opportunity.