First Focus

Upward mobility and opportunity have long been the hallmarks of American society, as generation after generation surpassed their parents’ achievements. But declining high school graduation rates threaten this progress, especially for young Americans of color. A high school diploma is essentially a requisite credential for participation in the workforce. However, federal policy lacks a coherent system for graduation rate accountability. First Focus believes America can improve graduation rates and restore access to the American Dream by strengthening federal accountability requirements to promote graduation, including advocating for standard graduation benchmarks and strengthened federal support for high schools.