Increasing Graduation Rates
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. First Focus believes America can improve graduation rates and restore access to the American dream by strengthening polices and programs to meet the needs of students in and outside of the classroom. Specific policy priorities for 2007 include:
- Convene Public/Private Partnerships to Help Kids Succeed. First Focus will advance bipartisan polices that build community-wide alliances for kids – involving not only government, but business, families, the faith community, service providers, and youth themselves. Strong alliances will be able to address not only graduation and other traditional education priorities, but also health care, public safety, and other critical needs facing our kids.
