America’s Redemption
The New Jersey Minority Educational Development organization has been working with organizations across the country to develop a movement called America First or Last. The Movement is a grassroots campaign to focus on the economic viability of the United States in the 21st century. Specifically, through educational programs on public policies to inform people on issues affecting the economics of their community, as well as, to providing youths and their families’ with both educational and social support services.
With one Goal: to make the US number one in education in the 21st century. By:
1. Increasing the High School and College Graduation Rates.
2. Improving proficiency levels in reading, math and science for student’s K thru 12.
3. Developing advance technology programs in public education.
The Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How Action Plan:
Who: According to Educators and Economists researchers the U.S. economy will lose $3 trillion during the next decade. Source: http://www.all4ed.org/files/archive/publications/HighCost.pdf
What: These costs will occur from more than 12 million high school students’ dropping out. Via their lost revenues from taxes and fees, increased Medicaid costs and increasing incarceration rates; all caused by high levels of unemployment from a low skill workforce. Source: http://www.all4ed.org/files/GraduationRates_FactSheet.pdf
Where: Eighty nine percent of U.S. high school dropouts are minority students.
Source: http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=16
When: Minority student’s high school completion rates are also 20% below the national average. Their proficiency scores for 4th and 8th graders in reading and math stands at 20% and only 5% for science. Source:http://www.cpec.ca.gov/CompleteReports/ExternalDocuments/USChamberLeadersandLaggards.pdf
Why: These students live in neighborhoods where 40 percent of the residents are poor, with high rates of crime and young adult unemployment exists. Source: http://www.heartlandalliance.org/whatwedo/advocacy/reports/causes-of-poverty.pdf
How Action Plan: By creating a grassroots coalition titled the US Educational National Team that will address these problems, through Community Partnership programs and projects. The movement will bring together community partners with the local school districts parents and students to set-up the community’s academic goals to address the areas of needs from early childhood to post secondary education for your School Districts.
Join the Movement
The Movement need leaders like you. If you believe America’s Educational System needs a renewed focus on our children and our community needs. Please complete the volunteer form and join your local organizing committee.
