Mayor Cory Booker Wants To End The Dropout Crisis In America

“We must do everything necessary to cultivate America’s greatest natural resource: Our young people.”

That’s Newark Mayor Cory Booker talking about AT&T’s “Aspire” campaign. With “Aspire,” AT&T aims to reduce the dropout crisis in America by inspiring you, the community, to take action, and giving away $90,000 to America’s Promise Alliance — a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the dropout rate in America. By leaving a comment on their Causes.com action page, $2 will be donated for every comment, plus an additional $1 for every person you invite to take action (up to 25 friends). That’s $27 you can give without even opening up your wallet!

Mayor Booker understands that helping our youth graduate from high school means the difference between reaching their potential or being left behind.

“Right now, we are failing to graduate 1 out of every 4 of our kids from high school… More and more of our kids are being imprisoned in a cell of limited options and opportunities. We must liberate the potential of our children, and therefore, our country.”

As of today, Causes.com action-takers have raised over $16,000. You have shared your own dropout stories and have left invaluable words of support, but we need more voices and invitations to fulfill AT&T’s gift! Here are some of the great comments that you are sharing.

• Hilary Kirwan says, “I will volunteer at a school garden/farm that engages students in outdoor science education and brings community members together.”
• Dennis Lafferty believes “Your high school diploma, or GED, is the stepping stone for Higher Education! Encouragement with our youth [at] a young age is the key.”
• Bill Mouldon says, “I will volunteer at every opportunity to support the teachers and encourage every student to dream big!”
• Diana Valentine Demicoli says, “stay in school, no matter how bad or hard it is.. you will be glad you did.. TRUST ME!”

Watch Mayor Booker’s words of inspiration and take action by leaving a comment on the Connect For Good action page.

http://exchange.causes.com/2012/04/cory-booker-att-aspire-dropout-crisis/