Gladwell's "Outliers" is an interesting read. His thesis is that its an environment that rewards hard work. The section on schools that cater to inner city kids may be what you are looking for.

I like this book a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Better-Surgeons-Performance-Atul-Gawande/dp/0312427654/ref=pd_sim_b_1

The section on Surgeons in India is very interesting because they have no resources, yet do astonishing things.

IMHO, people rise very far when they are constantly placed in very challenging situations that almost (but not) overwhelm them with mentors who can listen to them and guide them and who they listen to.