High School Graduation Numbers on the Rise

Whoever you are, wherever you live, you probably know of a teenager about to graduate from high school.  According to the Department of Education the high school graduation rate has reach its highest level in 30 years. Although this may be true, the public high school dropout rate for minorities ( Native American, African American and Hispanic) are still high.

So today, I  celebrate every high school student who has pushed themselves to reach this milestone of high school graduate. This accomplishment is not reached single handedly and is often times achieved through the collective efforts of parents, extended family, educators and mentors... "The Village."   Now the question is "where do they go from here?" 

Economic stability is related to our level of education. The United States used to lead the world in college attainment but now is ranked 14th in the world!  "This is unacceptable" as stated by Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education.  Currently, 39 percent of adults 25-34 have a 2-4 year degree. In order for the U. S. to be first in the world again this percentage must almost double to 60 percent.
This is one of the goals of the Obama administration to reach by 2020.  One measure that must take place for our ranking to improve is the stability in tuition cost.   Only time can tell if this is a realistic goal.

In the meantime, encourage and support every high school student you know to seek higher learning. There are funds available through scholarships, grants and loans which will allow them to achieve their career goals.

Dee Carter     June 8, 2013