Keeping Teens on

Keeping Teens on Track: National High School Graduation Rate Still Shows Room for Improvement

10 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | JULY/AUGUST 2015 It's graduation season, and across the country many families will revel in their graduate's accomplishments. Nationally, there's reason to celebrate, too; 81 percent of American high school seniors are expected to graduate this year, the highest rate ever, according to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). But there's sobering news as well. According to a StageofLife.com teen survey, nearly half of all high schoolers know someone who's not graduating. With nearly 20 percent of teens expected not to graduate this year, educators and administrators are not the only ones responsible for closing this graduation gap. For example, youth advocates like Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) are collaborating with corporate initiatives, such as the Taco Bell Foundation(TM), to provide teens a critical pathway towards high school graduation and beyond that will inspire them to reach their full potential and achieve their educational and career goals.

"We know that failing to graduate high school has a severe long-term impact on a young person's ability to secure employment and affects virtually every aspect of his/her life," says Dr. Damon Williams, chief educational and youth development officer at BGCA. "Our Club's year-round programs at 4,100-plus locations across the country help ensure teens have the inspiration, tools and resources needed to stay on track to graduate high school on-time."

The national high school dropout rate affects not only the one million teens who fail to graduate and their families, but also our nation's economic standing as a whole. The American economy will lose nearly $159 billion in lost taxes and higher government expenditures over the students' lifetimes, according to Williams.

Teens fail to graduate for a number of reasons, including failing coursework, falling into the wrong crowd and traumatic home or school events causing chronic absenteeism, according to America's Promise Alliance. Yet when teens get the support they need, they are more likely to remain in or return to school; 41 percent of teens surveyed by the Alliance said encouragement from someone else inspired them to stay in or return to school.

"As a company that gives many young Americans their very first job, we're invested in supporting teens and young adults," says Brian Niccol, chief executive officer at Taco Bell Corp. "We're passionate about doing our part to instill in youth confidence to tackle the next big thing, to succeed, to be the best expression of themselves, to lead, to use their voice to go after a cause, and to have an impact in their communities-and this begins by supporting teens to ensure they graduate high school."

For nearly two decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the non-profit Taco Bell Foundation to help teens steer their path and equip them with the resources needed to succeed in high school. In 2014, Taco Bell Foundation expanded its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs with a goal of providing a $30 million grant over five years to bring its Graduate for Mas program

to Clubs across the country.

With the support of partners like the Taco Bell Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs' programs help 1.4 million teens stay on track to graduate from high school, and 70 percent of Club seniors to be college-bound by 2018. Keeping just 10 Club members in school until graduation would add $2 million to the American economy over those members' lifetimes, the organization estimates.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the organization's academic success programs, visit www.greatfutures.org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation's Graduate for Mas program, visit the www.graduateformas.com.—BPT

RuralLeaderMagazine.com | JULY/AUGUST 2015 11 6 Tips for a Successful Small Business Continued from page 9 And the initial push to open a business is not enough. "A lot of what I do is try stuff out, experiment, fail, and try again," says Walsh. "When we take on any project, we allow a lot of time to play and experiment, fail many times and really allow ourselves that process."

*Good ideas can come from anyone. "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing," as the great Greek philosopher Socrates once said. In other words, you have to be open to new ideas and ways of thinking, especially from sources other than yourself. Walsh ascribed to this mantra, saying "It's about coming up with the best possible products. So even if it's an intern that has a fantastic idea, we let them run with it."

*Stay organized and be efficient. A little organization can go a long way. Don't just think detailed spread sheets or databases with lists of customers or to-the-minute daily schedules. It can be simple things like how your desk is laid out or even the computer monitor you use. Walsh points out the utility in widescreen monitors, like hers from the line at LG Electronics, because the extra screen real estate allows her to be able to separate things like email, or chatting, with the more creative work on the screen. As a graphic designer, she gets bonus utility because of its acclaimed color accuracy which, for Walsh, is extremely important.

*Be committed, but keep it light. Owning and operating a business is a serious game; there is no doubt about that. However, you should still try to have some fun when the opportunity arises. "Humor is really an essential part of our practice. It's in our personalities, it's a part of all the work we do, and I really think that it's an important part of experimenting and playing. If you take yourself too seriously, you're never going to just try something crazy or try something new," Walsh notes how humor opens doors for professionals surmising.

*Stimulate your mind always. One of the best ways to keep your mind fresh is to stimulate it in variety of ways through people, experiences and surroundings. "I think being in New York affects our work. It's such an amazing and inspiring city of so many diverse people, and cultural events going on at any one moment," Walsh explains in the context of being in a big city. "Just go out and meet various people any night of the week because there are so many talented and inspiring people out there."

*Don't become content. One of the oldest tricks that's true for all types of businesses is to never rest on your laurels. Even with all of Walsh's early success, she keeps pushing forward. "I wouldn't say I'm 100 percent satisfied," she says. "I think you have to be hungry: hungry for new work, new experiences and learning new things."

Owning your own business can be scary as there areso many roles to play. With the above tips in mind, you have a great framework for prosperity. If nothing else, embrace the madness to find a real recipe for success.—BPT