Economic inequality--the income gap between the wealthy and the poor--is increasing. Educational inequity has also increased with low-income students less likely to complete college than their wealthier counterparts. As the gap widens between the education "haves" and "have-nots," those with inadequate education are faced with reduced career opportunities in low-wage jobs. This paper proposes that a self-perpetuating cycle exists among the problems of economic inequality, educational inequity, and reduced career opportunity. It proposes strategies for breaking the cycle and concludes by identifying areas of responsibility for further research and practice.