The Need

Current demographic trends and social indicators suggest that a growing number of young people are at risk for problem behaviors that may impede their development as responsible citizens and workers.

These findings indicate that an increasing number of graduates will enter the workforce unprepared without the academic or social skills they need to be successful. Society will have to bear the rising costs for lost productivity, additional training, and financial support for those who cannot support themselves. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov/fastfacts) a high school graduating class of 40 in 2009 reflected the following: