America's Promise Alliance

Nationwide, nearly one in three U.S. high school students fails to graduate. In total, approximately 1.3 million students drop out each year — averaging 7,200 every school day. Among minority students, the problem is even more severe with nearly 50 percent of African American and Hispanic students not completing high school on time.

Experts say that dropping out of high school affects not just students and their families, but the country overall — including businesses, government, and communities. The Alliance for Excellent Education estimates that high school dropouts from the Class of 2006-07 will cost the U.S. more than $329 billion in lost wages, taxes, and productivity over their lifetimes. Experts say that those who drop out are more likely to be incarcerated, rely on public programs and social services, and go without health insurance than those who graduate from high school.

In an effort to reduce America’s high school dropout rates, the Alliance introduced the Dropout Prevention Campaign in April 2008. The 105 summits — one in all 50 states and 55 cities with the largest dropout rates — were held from 2008-10. The summits brought together more than 30,000 mayors and governors, business owners, child advocates, school administrators, students and parents to develop workable solutions and action plans.

• View the Dropout Prevention Video
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Dropout Prevention Campaign