At least two area programs are reconnecting high school dropouts with educational opportunities – an effort that aligns with the state’s newest initiative to use similar systems as a launching pad for success for dropouts ages 16 to 24.
The initiative “Operation Restart: Getting Dropouts Back on Track” is detailed in a recent report by the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children that highlights the economic benefits the state could reap by plugging young dropouts back into educational systems to achieve degrees.
The new initiative is dedicated to making dropout re-engagement a public policy for the state in 2010 and beyond, according to the partnership.
The report, “Re-engaging High School Dropouts as a Growth Strategy for Pennsylvania,” states the 120,000 dropouts cost the state, local and federal governments money through lost revenue, increased crime and social spending on government programs.
A dropout in Pennsylvania consumes $683 more annually in publicly funded programs than he or she contributes in taxes, according to the report.
Those who possess either a high school diploma or some degree pay $9,485 more annually in taxes than they consume in government spending.
Should dropouts up to age 25 reconnect to their education and earn a high school credential plus receive some post-secondary education, they would contribute more than $1.1 billion, instead of costing governments some $81 million each year in publicly funded programs, according to the report.
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/540644.html?nav=5011
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