We have a dropout crisis . . .
What’s happening now:
- 30% of our students will fail to complete high school
- Nearly 50% of African American and Hispanic youth fail to graduate
- Students from lower income families are six times more likely to drop out.
The cost to society:
- Dropouts are twice as likely to be unemployed
- Dropouts are three times more likely to live in poverty
- Dropouts are eight times more likely to wind up in prison
Society saves $127,000 per new graduate through extra tax revenues, reduced cost of public health, crime and justice, and decreased welfare payments.
You can help raise funds in support of the children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters (press the "Get Started" button) or you can make a donation yourself (press the button under General Donations). Understand that with your support, YOU can impact the problem.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a prevention program. Match a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child and you give that child a greater likelihood of staying in school. Kids matched with a Big improve:
- Academic performance
- Attitude towards school
- Class participation
Plus, they do better at:
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
- Avoiding delinquency
- Avoiding early parenthood
