Current issues | Education

In terms of education -- here's what is plaguing us as a nation: our high school dropout rate is staggering; we are no longer the global leader in college grad rates; our children are ranked very low in math, sciences, and reading.  This is no longer an inner-city problem -- this is a national epidemic.

Although this is beyond the "inner city" -- it is indeed a reality that kids who live in urban areas suffer from lack of resources and access to even begin a quality educational process.  Here are some stats discovered by United Way in 2008.  Did you know...

• Low-income children often start kindergarten one or two years behind in language and other skills important to school success;
• Majority of teachers of young children don't have proficiency in math and science;
• 85% of a child's core brain structure is formed by the age of three, so the most pivotal development years fall between the ages of 0 - 5 years;
• Many at-risk children suffer from poor nutrition, and therefore - it is a hindrance to learning.

So, as you can see - the drop-out epidemic does not start in high school - it often begins with issues that originate in elementary school!

The good news is - there are several programs and initiatives out there that are committed to assisting at-risk children and youth with mentorship, support and resources to achieve success.  One of them is Born Learning - a United Way nationwide initiative designed to assist at-risk children with preparation for kindergarten...so they won't be left behind from the jump. 

Another is PSIR's Project Manhood Leadership Institute and Project Excel.  Please consider making a tax deductible gift today to Project Still I Rise - for measurable results that impact the Dallas community.  Visit www.psir.org to make your donation now...