MCCOY and our partners, Emmis Communications and State Farm Insurance, have collaborated on the “I Care” campaign. This campaign is designed to educate the business community in central Indiana on the current status of Marion County schools graduation rates and why every individual and organization should care.
The high school graduation rate in Marion County is just 78.3 percent, which is the second highest drop-out rate in the country. Usually being second place in anything is pretty good; in fact it’s the next best thing to first. However, this is not a stat that we should be happy about. This astounding issue negatively affects our community as a whole.
Students who drop-out of high school tend to make one million dollars less over a lifetime than college graduates. Sadly, drop-outs are three times more likely to be unemployed, four times more likely to receive government assistance and eight times more likely to be incarcerated, and have poorer health than their peers.
Increasing the high school graduation rate would have a very positive impact on our community. Students would see increased earnings, which would mean an increase in spending and investment in local businesses, and an increase in tax revenue. Statistics have also shown that as graduation rates increase, crime rates in cities will decrease. Increasing the high school graduation rate means we can all live in a community where are citizens are more educated, local businesses have more support from customers, and where we feel safer.
Doing your part and showing you care is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Please take part in MCCOY’s “I Care” campaign by volunteering to be a mentor to a student or parent, hire a student intern, support your local school, donate to organizations that support positive youth development and advocate for positive youth issues.
Visit the “I Care” campaign website to stay informed of our efforts and to view video and testimonials from local community leaders of why they care!
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