Every Student A Graduate

Here at Shearwater, the statistics and stories emerging from our low-performing schools not only impress upon us the urgency of addressing the dropout crisis, but help us to more fully comprehend the social and economic consequences of doing nothing.

Here are some voices of the many who share in our dream for a well-educated America.

THEY BELIEVE THAT A WELL-EDUCATED AMERICA IS

Necessary Now
“At this defining moment in our history, America faces few more urgent challenges than preparing our children to compete in the global economy.”
-The Obama-Biden Plan, Change.Gov: The Office of the President-Elect

Possible Today
“The social and physical conditions around some of these schools are horrific. They’re often unsafe, under-funded, poorly run, crumbling, and challenged in so many ways that the situation can feel hopeless. That is, until you meet the kids- talk to them- and listen to their dreams of the future.”
- Arne Duncan, Turning Around the Bottom Five Percent, June 2009

A Hope To Count On
“I want to be something, I want to be someone. I want to be the brightest star.”
– India, St. Louis Youth

Necessary For Our Country’s Future Success
“For too long, as a nation we have fooled ourselves into a false sense of security while a graduation crisis eats away at our economic future. We have fooled ourselves into thinking that we can continue to prosper when nearly one-third of our students drop out of high school…and when many more of those who earn diplomas lack the skills for college and the workforce”.
- Alma J. Powell, Chairwoman of America’s Promise Alliance, Mrs. Alma J. Powell Remarks for National Press Club, April 2009

Something Our Youth Dream Of                    
“I don’t want to keep being ignorant.”
– Chris, St. Louis Youth

A Feat That Everyone Must Fight For
 “This education reform movement is not a table where we all sit around and talk. It’s a train that is leaving the station, gaining speed, momentum and direction. It is time for everyone- everywhere- to get on board.”
– Arne Duncan, Turning Around the Bottom Five Percent, June 2009

“I can’t wait to start.”
- Brie, St. Louis Youth