As a Canadian who's spent some time in various parts of the States, I would say the biggest change that needs to be made is a greater cultural value being place

As a Canadian who's spent some time in various parts of the States, I would say the biggest change that needs to be made is a greater cultural value being placed on good education. In simpler terms, I believe disadvantaged youth will do better at school when those youth start _wanting_ to go to school. The most successful ethnic group in the United States are Nigerian-Americans because in Nigerian society, education is valued above all else. 61% of Nigerian-Americans over 25 hold a Masters degree - a remarkable number!