RESOUND THE ALARM ON HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS

October is ‘National Dropout Prevention Month’ and as a community, we hear too often about high school dropouts. We are kept up to date on how and when they become a threat to society and leave a negative impact on economy, but we are not knowledgeable as to why? This month is a great time to resound the alarm and bridge the community and school gap. We do know they are troubled youth and need guidance and services. It’s time we include them in our annual budgets and share funding’s and innovative programs to find the WHY.

Communities collaborating with the schools as a resourceful tool is the connecting key. Schools need accountability from elected officials, city economic developers, business owners, bankers, churches, and other organizations to be the change. Investing in high school students is a continuous engagement and involvement. They need housing assistance, college and career preparation; job and college fairs; scholarships and grant submission assistance; finance training to build up credit and positive use of credit cards and mentor programs. A conversation to start the groundwork is now.

Education has changed forever in this COVID World, and the students are facing even more challenges to break through barriers. It is our social responsibility to increase the pipeline that leads to becoming productive citizens. The work is hard, but the outcome is great. Making high school dropouts a priority will make a difference in our youth’s success. We can’t give up or give in. We must stand up against dropouts. Contact your local school and get involved today.

Be the Voice: Be the Change!

Dona Mitchell

President, IATDP