“…by lifting up one child through early education, we set the trajectory for an entire family, successfully breaking the cycle of generational disadvantage.”
6-minute read
Cynthia B. Kaye
Early Education Advocate | EdTech Innovator | CEO, Alive Studios

“What you do in your child’s first five years of life… profoundly influences how he or she will behave as an adult.” That compelling statement, articulated by developmental molecular biologist Dr. John Medina, is no longer just a nice idea, it is a proven fact backed by decades of hard numbers. The evidence comes from one of the most extraordinary social experiments ever conducted: the HighScope Perry Preschool Study, which patiently followed more than 100 low-income, at-risk preschoolers for over four decades. For businesses and education leaders alike, the findings offer the unshakeable data we need, showing the profound and lasting impact of giving every child the foundation they need for a successful life.
The Unshakeable Proof: A 40-Year Look at the Perry Preschool Project
Back in 1962, a visionary group led by psychologist David Weikart in Ypsilanti, Michigan, started the HighScope Perry Preschool Project. They asked a simple, yet profound question: “Does participation by underserved children in a high-quality early education program actually improve their long-term outcomes?”
They followed 123 children over four decades. The findings are no longer a theory; they are irrefutable proof that when we invest early, we unlock a lifetime of potential for a child, securing a stronger future for all of us.
The Dual Return: Dignity and Dollars
The HighScope study confirms that an investment made in a three- or four-year-old yields life-long results that pay immense dividends for everyone. This success isn’t just about early academics; it’s about developing the non-cognitive skills like perseverance, self-control, and motivation that drive success decades later.
The longitudinal study tracked participants through age 40 and found that those who experienced the high-quality preschool program were dramatically better off.
They were:
• More likely to graduate from high school (65% vs. 45% for the control group).
• More likely to maintain employment and have higher earnings.
• More likely to own a home and a car, reflecting true economic stability.
• Less likely to commit crimes and be involved in the criminal justice system.
• Less likely to experience teenage pregnancy, a massive factor in reducing intergenerational poverty.

Now, let’s look closer at the human and economic outcomes that translate into a massive ROI for society:
Educational Attainment & Unlocking Potential
The ultimate goal is to equip every child with the tools they need to pursue their dreams. Program participants were substantially more likely to graduate from high school and required significantly fewer special education services. This is about building confidence and capability from day one.
Economic Stability & Self-Reliance
By giving children a strong start, we give them the path to a stable, contributing adult life. Participants were more likely to be employed (76% vs. 62% at age 40) and reported higher lifetime earnings, increasing their personal wealth by an estimated $156,490 more per person. This translates into dignity, homeownership, and true economic self-reliance.
Crime Prevention & Community Safety
The most powerful illustration of societal impact is the staggering reduction in crime. By investing in guidance and structure early, participants were far less likely to commit crimes, leading to enormous cost reductions in the criminal justice system. The study calculates that a massive $171,473 in crime savings alone was generated for society per participant.
When you add up the benefits, higher tax revenue, education savings, and crime reduction the study indicates an astounding $12.90 return for every $1 invested in the program.
The Heckman Curve: The Power of Timing (and WHY We Must Act Early)
While the HighScope Perry Preschool Study provided undeniable proof of staggering long-term benefits, it was Nobel laureate Dr. James Heckman who provided the profound economic framework in the Heckman Equation, which explains why these early investments yield such extraordinary, multigenerational returns. His meticulous analysis of the Perry data and other human development research led to the creation of the Heckman Curve.
This powerful concept fundamentally reshaped our understanding of human capital development, revealing the critical window for impact.

This curve shows that the rate of return on investment is highest at the earliest ages (birth to five) and steadily declines as children get older. Why? Because skills beget skills. Investing early builds the cognitive and socio-emotional foundation (the “hard wiring”) that makes future learning in school, in college, and on the job easier, cheaper, and more effective.
This proves that an investment in high-quality early learning is not just one investment; it is a catalyst for every subsequent positive investment made in a child’s life.
A Legacy That Lifts Generations
Dr. Heckman’s research also confirmed the profound truth of intergenerational success. The stability and positive outcomes achieved by the original Perry participants resulted in them creating more supportive and enriching home environments for their own children. This powerful second-generation effect means that by lifting up one child through early education, we set the trajectory for an entire family, successfully breaking the cycle of generational disadvantage.
As leaders, we must stop viewing early learning as an expense or a separate charitable effort. It is a strategic and critical investment in human capital. The Perry Preschool Project, reinforced by Dr. Heckman’s essential economic analysis, stands as a powerful testament to the fact that when we prioritize and invest in providing high-quality early education for all children, we are ensuring the success, dignity, and future prosperity of our entire community.
Points to Ponder
Consider the impact you could have: What conversations can you initiate? What partnerships can you find within your local school system or business community to make this foundational investment a reality?
You can start with something as simple as sharing this article.
We’d love to hear your comments or questions below: