Don't Drop Out -- Boost Up!

One student drops out of high school every nine seconds in America, and
the rate at which students leave high school between grades nine and ten has
tripled over the last 30 years. The reasons are many, but research done by the Ad
Council found that sometimes all that those students need is a little boost -- a
few supportive words encouraging them to stick it out.

That's the idea behind the "Boost Up" campaign and website, www.boostup.org, where visitor scan watch the video diaries of teens on the verge of dropping out, and then send them a "boost" email or text message asking them to stay in school.

Teens themselves can submit photos, artwork or essays to share how someone gave them a boost or how they boosted a friend. The website also includes a section for parents and teens with guidance on issues and problems relating to school, crisis and the community.

"Hundreds of thousands of teens make a life-altering decision to drop out of school each year," says Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council. "This program inspires students to join an interactive community where they can seek continuous support. Teens will see that they are not alone in their struggles, and parents and others will learn how they can
give any teen in their life a 'boost' to help them stay in school and have a better chance for a successful future."

Learn what NEA is doing to address the dropout crisis and read about three sisters and their struggles to stay in school. Also, read the next news story about a dropout-turned graduate.

--Cindy Long