Did you know that every 26 seconds, a student will drop out of high school? Staggering, huh? But we’re asking our youth to help solve the crisis. Through the support of AT&T, and the mobilization of America’s Promise Alliance, the new My Idea Grants program will empower young people to examine the high school dropout crisis and take action to help more of their peers to graduate on time – improving outcomes for themselves and their community.
Chicago’s youth can win a grant of $500-$1500 to support targeted local projects to reduce dropout. Additionally, national grants of $10,000-$20,000 will be awarded to 20 – 25 youth for the best ideas submitted to help increase a community’s graduation rate anywhere in the United States. Teens concerned about the dropout crisis are invited to plan and propose an idea to help increase the graduation rate in their community. With the help of a supporting non-profit organization or school, that young person will get the guidance and technical assistance to make their idea come to life.
AT&T representatives, Alliance partners and local youth will review and select the local and national winning Idea grants. As a Young Leaders Society member, we would like to invite you to be a part of this process to select the local winning My Idea grants. Please contact Lorrie Lynn at (312) 906-2490 or email: lorrie.lynn@uw-mc.org to sign up. The My Ideas Review Panel will meet July 13, 2010 from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
