For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
America’s Promise Alliance Chair Discusses Solutions for Increasing Nation’s High School Graduation Rate
Remarks Part of Aspen Institute’s Washington Leadership Series
WASHINGTON, DC—America’s Promise Alliance (the Alliance) Chair Alma J. Powell earlier today joined Walter Isaacson, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute as the featured speaker for their Washington Leadership Series luncheon. The event titled Promise Fulfilled: Building on What Works for Disadvantaged Youth, served as a critical discussion of the programs and community elements that are seeing real success in helping reduce the nation’s high school dropout rate.
Mrs. Powell emphasized comprehensive solutions, pointing out that a common denominator in all the dropout prevention best practices is their focus on what happens both inside and outside the classroom. The discussion highlighted lessons learned from the Alliance’s own dropout prevention work over the last two years and its Grad Nation Campaign, which is working to mobilize the nation to end the dropout crisis.
“I’m honored that the Aspen Institute invited me to take part in their Leadership Series. Their history of education work and advocacy for young people makes this an ideal place to discuss how we turn the awareness of the dropout crisis in this country into large scale action to keep our kids in school,” said Alma J. Powell, chair, America’s Promise Alliance. “Although an essential piece to this puzzle lies with better schools, it is not the only solution. Many young people need our help before and after school. When we incorporate those elements as well, we’ll see real and lasting change in this country.”
“What a pleasure to have had Alma Powell as our special guest in our leadership series,” said Aspen Institute president and CEO Walter Isaacson. “America’s Promise is serving a critical function as there is no more important issue than the education of our children … and there’s no better voice to speak on this issue than Alma Powell.”
Mrs. Powell cited success stories from across the spectrum including national programs like the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) academies, where extended school days and calendars, high expectations and parental involvement have helped achieve real results; to programs like YouthBuild or Year Up, which focus on bringing students who’ve already left school back and provides job skills training and college preparation while they earn a diploma or GED. She also highlighted The ARC and Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy as local best practices of how a community approach is helping children and youth in some of Washington, DC’s most impoverished neighborhoods. The Chavez School’s focus on community engagement as a critical curriculum piece has helped transform the student experience and all 100 percent of the students there are accepted into college.
The Aspen Institute’s Washington Leadership Series features some of Washington’s most influential thought leaders for a discussion of the critical issues facing the country and in particular the well being of the nation’s capital. Previous speakers have included: DC Mayor Adrian Fenty; Chancellor of DC Public Schools Michelle Rhee, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. To learn more about the Aspen Institute visit: www.aspeninstitute.org.
About America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. Through the collective power of our partner network, we raise awareness, support communities and engage in nonpartisan advocacy to ensure that young people receive more of the fundamental resources they need to graduate high school prepared for college, work and life. Building on the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our young people is grounded in the Five Promises—caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others. For more information about America’s Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.