Health & Fitness
The Difference Between a Graduate and a Dropout is You, Says Antonio Gates
Every 26 seconds, a student drops out of high school in the U.S. America's high school graduation rate ranks 19th in the world; at one time, we were number one.
By Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers, tight end
Every 26 seconds, a student drops out of high school in the U.S.
That’s 1.2 million students a year. America’s high school graduation rate ranks 19th in the world; at one time, we were number one. We need to get back in the winning position.
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I’ve accepted the challenge to help cut the number of high school dropouts in America in half by 2018. How will I do this? By helping United Way recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors by 2014. But I can’t do it alone. It’s going to take all of us—working together as a team—to get this done.
Growing up in inner-city Detroit, I had to overcome daily struggles. I had clear goals, but it wasn’t easy. I learned to affiliate myself with positive people that had similar goals for education and success. I was on a mission to go to college and become a professional athlete, and because of this experience I want to help open doors for kids to have opportunities to reach their dreams. And education is the key.
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The principles for winning as a community are the same as those required to win on the field: togetherness, trust and believing in one another.
I am proud to support United Way in their effort to improve education. Join me! Take the pledge and volunteer as a reader, tutor or mentor!