For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
President Obama Calls Education “A Pre-Requisite to Opportunity”
Statement made by Marguerite Kondracke, president and CEO of America’s Promise Alliance
WASHINGTON, DC – In his first joint address to Congress last night, President Obama called the need to expand educational opportunities for all children “urgent.” Citing the nation’s dropout rate as one of the highest in the industrialized world, the President said that it will be a “goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education – from the day they are born to the day they begin a career.”
In response to this address, Marguerite W. Kondracke, president and CEO of America’s Promise Alliance released the following statement:
“In his joint address to Congress, President Obama called on all of us to look at the economic crisis as an opportunity to expand our vision of what America might be. We welcome the President’s charge, and passionately agree that every child has the right to an excellent education. As President Obama stated, “When you drop out, you aren’t just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.” It is time that all Americans mobilize efforts to ensure that dropping out of high school is no longer an option.”
“With three-fourths of new jobs requiring some form of college-level study it becomes more essential than ever that we address the dropout crisis. America's Promise Alliance and First Focus stand ready to work closely with President Obama, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Congress, and all sectors to help every state and community increase graduation rates. We are working with all 50 states and the 55 cities nationwide with the highest dropout rates to host Dropout Prevention summits and develop action plans that will strengthen our students, schools, and communities.”
“Through our network of more than 270 partner organizations, we raise awareness, engage in advocacy, and create opportunities for action so that all children receive the basic supports they need to be successful. Working together – through “bold action and big ideas” – we will not only help our children succeed, but help our nation compete in the 21st century global economy.”
About America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership alliance comprised of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocacy and faith groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources – the Five Promises – they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives and build a stronger society. Building on the legacy of our founder General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our children is grounded in experiencing the Five Promises – caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others—at home, in school and in the community. For more information about America's Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.