Higher Ed

Dropout Nation: one in four students leave every year

It is estimated that one in four young people drop out of high school each year and this represents a significant impediment to their own future happiness, health and success and a challenge to the ongoing development of an innovative and productive American workforce.This recently released report from the Social Science Research Council shows high levels of disconnection amongst youth aged 16-24 from study OR work in 25 major metro areas.These reports by the Innovation Trail team are part of American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen; a multi-year public media initiative, supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), to help local communities identify and implement solutions to the high school dropout crisis.The American Graduate project brings together more than 60 public media stations around the country in an initiative to help students stay on the path to graduation and future success.A forum and community conversation about the dropout crisis in Rochester, N.Y. will be held at WXXI's Studios, 280 State Street, Rochester from 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept 24.To be part of the studio audience call (585) 258-0252.PBS Frontline will air a special "Dropout Nation", airing at 9:00 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD.

Dropout Nation forum to discuss challenges and initiatives

WXXI News | By Matthew Leonard

Published September 24, 2012 at 4:09 PM EDT

http://youtu.be/JH1wiCvbcrg

Join the Innovation Trail at the WXXI Studios, 280 State Street, Rochester tonight from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

WXXI's Innovation Trail is hosting a community conversation about the dropout crisis in Rochester and upstate New York.

Every year, thousands of students in the region quit high school without diplomas, crippling their career prospects and adding to the region's economic challenges.

Tonight's event will feature a short film from the acclaimed PBS Frontline called Middle School Moment, which explores a growing body of evidence suggesting that the make-or-break point for high school dropouts happens back in middle school.

Immediately after the film, audience members will be encouraged to talk about the key facts, discuss local challenges, and set goals for personal and community action.

A panel of leading educators will be on hand to help answer questions and provide additional information.
The event will be facilitated by WXXI News Director Julie Philipp.

The event is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS Frontline.

The Innovation Trail's reporting contribution to the project can be found here.