Realizing the Promise

  • The promise of America remains at risk. Too many children and youth are on a path toward failure, including not graduating high school, because they don’t receive the resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling and productive lives.
  • The most reliable predictor of a young person’s chances of success is a high school diploma.
  • Having access to five fundamental resources can dramatically improve a child’s chance of success. We call them the Five Promises: caring adults, safe places, an effective education, a healthy start and opportunities to help others.
  • In 2010, the Grad Nation Campaign was launched to mobilize Americans to end the dropout crisis and prepare young people for post-secondary success and the 21st century workforce.

About the Building a Grad Nation Summit

  • The Summitis the premier gathering of people committed to closing opportunity gaps and preparing young people for success. It is an annual event marking our progress in this work.
  • The Summit will bring together a powerfully diverse group of more than 700 people from across the country, including staff from community organizations, national nonprofits, and school systems; business leaders; federal, state, and local government officials;parents and youth. It takes place February 24-26 in Washington, DC.
  • Participants will hear the latest ideas for what works in preventing dropouts and preparing students for success in school, college, career, and in life. Sessions will examine topics like early childhood education, grade-level reading, college financial aid,and social and emotional growth.
  • Participants will have unparalleled opportunities to strengthen their networks, collaborate with others addressing similar challenges, and share their successes.
  • The Summit will document the progress the United States has made in responding to the dropout crisis and how that work is strengthening our economy and communities.

These short statements can convey the value of the Summit in a newsletter or on your website:

  • Attend the premier gathering of youth development professionals, community members and young people committed to closing opportunity gaps and preparing young people for success.
  • Join more than 700 attendees—including leaders from nonprofits, business and government—in finding ways to end the dropout crisis.
  • Take home the latest methods for ensuring students are ready to succeed in college and career.
  • Build your network of people who can strengthen your work to increase graduation rates.
  • Share your expertise with peersfrom around the country.
  • Learn about the latest graduation rate data, important policy changes and where the greatest progress has taken place across the country over the last decade.