About the Initiative
Grad Nation Communities are committed to ending the high school dropout crisis that affects one in four of our public school children. These communities are at the front line of efforts to help young people succeed in school, work and life. They are part of an initiative launched in September 2011 to recognize communities across the nation for their efforts in support of our Grad Nation campaign. The campaign aims to achieve a 90 percent graduation rate nationwide by 2020, with no high school graduating less than 80 percent of its students. It also supports the national goal to regain America’s standing as first in the world in college completion.
Grad Nation Communities commit to becoming part of the Alliance's Grad Nation campaign by:
- Adopting a goal to increase the national high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020, with no school in the community’s target area having a graduation rate below 80 percent
- Engaging cross-sector stakeholders to collaborate in increasing local graduation rates
- Identifying shared priorities and focus areas for collaborative work
- Sharing best practices and strategies
- Providing annual updates on progress and challenges
The communities receive a variety of support and services to help end the dropout crisis, including recognition, access to knowledge and communication tools, professional development, and opportunities for networking with other communities and America’s Promise Alliance Partners. In addition, Grad Nation Communities that are home to two or more of the nation’s lowest-performing schools may receive direct technical assistance and funding.
How Grad Nation Communities Make a Difference
Communities, from neighborhoods to cities, are best placed for bringing together people from all walks of life to create local solutions to this national crisis. Schools cannot do it alone. Research has also demonstrated that cross-sector collaboration is critical to delivering the support that leads to higher graduation rates and improved readiness for college and work.
Learn more about applying to become a Grad Nation Community and how getting involved with this initiative will benefit your community and help move the nation towards becoming a nation of graduates.