2014 Dropout Crisis by the Numbers Infographic

2014 Dropout Crisis by the Numbers Infographic

Despite a growing graduation rate, U.S. high schools still have too many students leaving without a diploma. The 2014 Dropout Crisis by the Numbers Infographic highlights some of the disturbing reasons teens drop out of school, the devastating possible consequences and hope for the way ahead.

U.S. High School Non-Completion Rates 2013

Every 26 seconds of the school day a student drops out ... That’s 7,000 students every single day and over 1 million students every single year (54% are male and 46% female).
Why do students drop out? What are the risk factors?

Students who leave school do so because they are facing difficulties in and out of school. Here are the major reasons:

1. Unstable Home Life

• 87% have experienced homelessness
• 79% have had a parent who was incarcerated
• 50% have changed schools
• 11% have been in foster care

2. Toxic Environments

• Students who drop out are far more likely to experience unsupportive, unsafe & violent neighborhoods & schools

3. Lack of Connections

• No parent, relative or educator to count on

Harsh Consequences

• Dropouts aren’t qualified or eligible for 90% of all jobs.
• Dropouts face unemployment rates almost double that of high school graduates (15% vs. 9%).
• High school graduates, on average, earn $9,245 more per year than high school dropouts.
• Dropouts earn 65% less per year compared to college grads with bachelor’s degrees ($20,241 to $56,665).
• 67% of state prison populations, 56% of federal inmates and 69% of inmates in local jails did not complete high school.
• Dropouts will cost the U.S. economy $154 billion in lost wages, taxes & productivity over their lifetimes (class of 2011).
• Dropouts are more likely to live in poverty, have poor health and depend on government assistance.
• Over a 45-year career, the earnings difference between a dropout & someone with a HS degree can exceed $700,000.
• Dropouts have a life expectancy 9.2 years shorter than HS graduates.
• Dropouts cost the U.S. $8 billion per year in public assistance programs like food stamps.

Help & Hope

There is help. Some programs and interventions have proven successful in getting dropouts back in school and on solid life paths. The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is one that has an exceptional track record. It provides the support needed for at-risk youth to re-engage in their education.

The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program (NGYCP) began in the early 1990s to equip at-risk youth with the skills, training and education to have successful adult lives. The 17-month program consists of a two-week Pre-Challenge phase, a 20-week Residential phase & a one-year Post-Residential phase with mentoring.