US Chamber of Commerce

Thirty percent of U.S. students fail to graduate from high school in four years—and the dropout rate is nearly 50% for African-Americans and Hispanics.

Too few students are graduating with the skills they need

Up to half of those who do graduate lack the advanced literacy and math skills they need to succeed in postsecondary education and the workforce. A majority of U.S. 4th graders and 8th graders are not proficient in reading or math.

Education is critical to the future of the U.S. workforce

There are more than 3 million job openings that remain unfilled partially due to a “skills gap” between the workforce and business needs. Consequently, the business community must spend billions of dollars on remediation training for unqualified new hires.

Success on Main Street depends on success in the classroom

Business leaders—whether as individuals or operating through organizations such as local chambers of commerce, foundations, or public education funds—need to play a critical role in supporting effective school board governance and reforms that improve student achievement.