California Mayors Graduation Summit

Date: April 29, 2010

Statewide Summit One of 105 Supported Nationwide by America’s Promise Alliance

The CA Mayors Roundtable, with support from America’s Promise, State Farm Insurance Company, AT&T, and other partners, convened a statewide summit to ensure that California’s young people are better prepared for college, work and life.

Experts agree that California’s well being and prosperity - indeed, that of the nation - depends upon an educated workforce. Experts estimate that in California’s Class of 2006-07, one in four students dropped out of high school. Young people who drop out are more likely to be incarcerated, rely on public programs and social services and go without health insurance than those who graduate from high school. Even if half of the state's dropouts eventually complete high school, the remaining half will cost the state $24 billion over their lifetimes.

Mayors brought teams of district superintendents, elected officials, youth, and business and civic leaders to participate in this Summit. They discussed research and local best practices that help teenagers at risk for dropping out stay in school and graduate. Mayors met with Senate President pro Tem Darryl Steinberg to discuss policy changes that can help assure California’s youth graduate prepared for careers, college and life. The Mayors Education Roundtable is preparing a formal action plan with policy recommendations to reduce the dropout rate in California, which will be available in July.

The summit was part of America’s Promise Alliance’s Dropout Prevention Campaign, a national effort to reduce high school dropout rates and prepare children for college, work and life. The California Mayors Education Roundtable gratefully acknowledges their support, and support of their national sponsors, AT&T and State Farm Insurance Company.

About the America’s Promise Alliance

America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership alliance comprised of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocacy and faith groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources - the Five Promises – they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives and build a stronger society. Building on the legacy of our founder General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes a child’s success is grounded in experiencing the Five Promises - caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others - at home, in school and in the community. For more information visit: www.americaspromise.org.