CSFP Transforms a 55% Graduation Rate into 96% And Saves Money

Aug 20, 2013

CSFP is making strides to positively impact the future of thousands more economically disadvantaged children in Philadelphia by turning the tide on low high school graduation rates. Last year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reported that only 55% of eligible students graduated from the School District of Philadelphia district on time (i.e., in 4 years from when they started 9th grade). That means more than 6,500 children either dropped out of high school or were unable to graduate on time.  Dropping out of school has far-reaching, serious and expensive consequences for the individual and for society in general. High school dropouts are more likely to commit a crime— 75% of state inmates lack a high school diploma—to rely on government health care, and to use other public services, such as food stamps or housing assistance. And, high school dropouts earn less over their lifetime, thus resulting in less tax revenue. In fact, the Alliance for Excellent Education has calculated that if the students who dropped out of the Class of 2011 (nationwide) had graduated, the nation’s economy would have benefited from nearly $154 billion in additional income over the course of their lifetimes. Reversing this trend, therefore, has serious financial and social consequences that impact all of us.

 

At CSFP, we are working against that trend by providing financial access to quality early education. And it is paying off. CSFP students, who leave our program in 8th grade, go on to graduate high school on time and at rates over 96%! Most importantly, our longitudinal research demonstrates that  CSFP students are prepared (performing at or above grade levels in Reading and Math in standardized tests); in contrast, only 37% of Philadelphia public school 11th graders performed at grade level in Math and only 43%, in Reading. These differences are especially significant considering that CSFP awards its scholarships based on financial need alone, not academics (84% of CSFP youngsters are eligible for free or reduced lunch at school.)  The potential societal impact of turning a 55% graduation rate into a 96% is staggering.  While CSFP can provide the opportunity, you can provide the hope… so that our families and schools can come together to make our investment go further and create success for all of us!