The Schott Foundation for Public Education seeks to develop and strengthen a broad-based and representative movement to achieve fully-resourced, high quality pre-kindergarten to grade 12 public education.

In June, high school graduations take place all over the United States. For those receiving diplomas, this marks a joyous occasion. However, for young men and women who have dropped out (or have been "pushed out"), June is a sad reminder of lost opportunity, alienation and marginalization. An estimated three in ten students who should graduate this June will not, according to Diplomas Count 2008, a report just published by Education Week. Unfortunately, minority populations - especially male minorities - fare much worse: around five in ten will not graduate. We know what awaits those students who fail to graduate: lower paying jobs, higher risk for addictions, unemployment, violence and incarceration. We also know how to prevent individuals from dropping out. For example, making sure they receive quality early education so that they do not arrive to kindergarten already behind their peers, and preventing students from being shuffled into special education programs simply because of behavioral challenges or racial differences. Sufficient financial investment in urban school systems' facilities and staffing is also essential to providing high quality education to students most at risk for failure. If communities, public policy leaders, school administrators, philanthropic partners, educators and parents are determined, we can make sure that no student is left behind and without a high school diploma. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and to graduate.

- Dr. John H. Jackson