For Immediate Release
Friday, November 12, 2010
America’s Promise Alliance and United Way for Southeastern Michigan Host Pontiac, Melvindale and Lincoln High Schools to Discuss Ideas for School Improvement
Local students empowered to develop solutions for their high school and community
DETROIT – Students from Pontiac, Melvindale and Lincoln High Schools gathered today to discuss how to improve their high schools and communities at an event sponsored by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) and America’s Promise Alliance (the Alliance). After viewing a film on the state of education in the United States, students talked about their own school experiences—and how to turn negatives to positives. The conversation is part of the Alliance’s Grad Nation campaign, an effort to mobilize the nation to end the high school dropout crisis and UWSEM’s goal is to cut the high school dropout rate in half by 2013.
“We want all schools to be high-performing schools, and great schools come in many different forms-- public, private and charter,” said Kelly M. Green, executive vice president, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We’re thrilled to be working with America’s Promise Alliance to help elevate the voices of the young people participating in today’s conversation.”
The Editorial Projects in Education Research Center estimates that 31 percent of Detroit’s Class of 2008 did not graduate on time. According to United Way, the metro Detroit area is home to 178 high schools; 34 of which are considered dropout factories, which mean fewer than 60 percent of freshmen progress to their senior year on time.
“By tackling the issue community by community, we believe that we can end the high school dropout crisis,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, president and CEO of America’s Promise Alliance. “By giving Detroit students a chance to help their peers stay in school, they’re making huge strides in improving outcomes for their communities. We’re proud to stand next to each student and each community in their efforts.”
Today’s event continues a long tradition of collaboration between the Alliance and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. In 2008, the Alliance launched its Dropout Prevention Campaign, sponsoring high school dropout prevention summits throughout the country. The Detroit summit, with United Way for Southeastern Michigan as the lead convener, resulted in a $10 million prevention initiative, the Greater Detroit Education Venture Fund, to target high schools with dropout rates of 40 percent or higher. Already, $4 million has been raised for the Venture Fund, despite the economic contractions in Southeastern Michigan.
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 by raising awareness, supporting communities, and engaging in nonpartisan advocacy. Through our Grad Nation campaign, we harness the collective power of our partner network to mobilize Americans to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. 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.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by providing individuals with the three building blocks for a good life: Education, Income and Basic Needs. Additional information is available at www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.
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