The Alabama Legislature recently passed SB289, a bill supporting the teaching of the Success Sequence in all public schools. This three-step model offers a data-driven approach to breaking the cycle of poverty:
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Graduate from high school
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Obtain full-time employment
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Marry before having children
The sequence is simple, but the order is essential. Research from Brad Wilcox and Wendy Wang found that 97% of millennials who followed this sequence were not poor in adulthood, further citing that is also the case for 94% of Millennials who grew up in lower-income families and 95% of those who grew up in non-intact families.
Source: The Power of the Success Sequence for Disadvantaged Young Adults
Education, Employment, and… Marriage?
The relationship between education, employment, and poverty is widely studied (also, remember the Benefits Cliff?). However, marital and parental status is often overlooked, unless the discussion centers around childcare or workforce participation. But the data suggests we need to talk more openly about the order of life events.
Raising children is hard and expensive, regardless of your educational level, job status, or marital situation. But raising children without a high school diploma, without full-time employment, and without a supportive partner makes the challenge exponentially harder. The hurdles compound and make it more difficult to escape poverty.
How the Sequence Supports Workforce Participation
Let’s zoom in on the middle step: employment.
If you lack a high school diploma and have children without support from a spouse or caregiver, holding a job becomes significantly more difficult. You’re more likely to experience job instability, absenteeism, and burnout. For employers, this translates into higher turnover and less workforce reliability.
While the model doesn’t say you must get married or have children, it suggests a strategic order if you do. Marriage before children, backed by education and employment, sets individuals – and their families – up for long-term stability.
Why the Success Sequence Matters for Employers and Communities
Promoting the Success Sequence isn’t just about preventing poverty. It’s also about ensuring a strong, stable workforce. When individuals follow this path, they’re more likely to stay employed, reducing turnover and increasing productivity.
Supporting the sequence, whether through school programs, community education, or policy, could be a smart, proactive investment in both economic mobility and workforce development. The Brookings Institution in D.C. has been talking about the Success Sequence for over a decade. Maybe it’s time we pay attention.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you think the Success Sequence is a valuable tool in reducing poverty and improving employment outcomes? Should schools and communities promote it more directly? We honestly want to know. Drop us a line at info@horizonpointconsulting.com or fill out the quick poll below.