The vast majority of American high school students say they want to attend college in order to pursue rewarding careers. Of students responding to the 2005 High School Survey of Student Engagement, 83 percent indicated that they expected to go to college. Despite high student aspirations, however, large achievement gaps persist among students by income and race/ethnicity. Chronic achievement gaps arise in part from the differing academic expectations that many public schools traditionally held for more affluent populations and white students, as compared to low-income and minority students. Just as some students were routinely placed on a college-prep track, others were shunted into a less demanding, "general" curriculum. This latter group has expected to earn a diploma and enter the workforce right after high school. While there once was a time when a high school diploma was sufficient for obtaining a skilled job and earning a livable wage, increasingly that is no longer the case. Today, about 67% of new jobs require at least some postsecondary education--and that percentage will continue to rise. In order to compete in today's knowledge-based workplace, all students must have the option to pursue postsecondary education. It is sobering to note that the United States has the greatest income disparity of all economically-advanced countries. This great divide between haves and have-nots will only be narrowed by ensuring that the education necessary to participate in a 21st century global economy is attained by all Americans. This paper discusses what education leaders can do to champion a compelling vision of high expectations within their states, districts, schools, and communities. (Contains 5 resources.)