Every 26 seconds a student drops out of high school. Every school day seven thousand students walk out on their education. One-third of all students fail to graduate high school. And most low-income students who start college never finish.

America’s education crisis has left many young people, especially minorities and those from lower-income families, without the skills and knowledge required for a meaningful career in the 21st century. Of those who do graduate high school, half lack the skills to successfully complete community college. Most drop out of post secondary education before receiving a certificate or diploma. In the face of increasing global economic concerns, our failure to ensure all Americans have access to a great education is a threat to long-term American competitiveness and prosperity.