Our Commitment to Education

We live in challenging times. Staggering unemployment numbers. Failing corporations and banks. An overall shaky economy. It's sobering.

Even though we are in the midst of this economic crisis, we can't stop thinking about the future – the future of our kids, the future of our Clubs, the future of our country. Amid these immediate concerns, there is another crisis facing America: the high school dropout epidemic. As you'll read in this issue of Connections, the Boys & Girls Club Movement is well positioned to be a leading force in stemming this epidemic by ensuring that youth progress successfully from one grade to the next and graduate from high school with a solid plan for their future.

On a very special April day in Atlanta, we made a public declaration of our commitment to young people's academic success when we dedicated our new Education Circle, a lovely addition to the sculpture garden adorning our headquarters building. Sponsored by Boys & Girls Clubs of America Governor Gary Wendt and his wife, Rosemarie, the circle is a symbolic representation of our Movement's belief that a solid educational foundation is the key to unlocking the greatness that lies within every child.

Joining us for this special ceremony were former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; leading education experts from Atlanta, including the presidents of Spelman and Morehouse colleges, and the superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools; and several members of our Board of Governors. This impressive gathering was a powerful reinforcement of our collective commitment to education.

It's an enormous undertaking, but I know that our Movement is up to the challenge. Overcoming challenges – it's what we do.