Guest Editorial: Children Are Our Future - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Guest Editorial: Children Are Our Future

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  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:20:04 GMT
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:20:08 GMT
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    •   

By: Calvin D. Johnson

There is an alarming trend in the public school system.

The high school dropout rate in major U.S. cities is nearly 50%.

The local dropout rate for Montgomery County public schools exceeds 50%.

We are rapidly losing many young people to the streets. Researchers have found people failing to graduate from high school were 8 times more likely to become involved in drug and others crimes that lead to prison. Studies have also found that young adults with low education and skill levels are more likely to live in poverty and receive government assistance.

Young people who drop out of school are unlikely to have the minimum skills and credentials necessary to function in today's complex society and technological workplace.

There is hope. Several non-profit organizations have developed mentor-based programs to combat the perils that students face. Partners in Education, Family Guidance Center of AL, 100 Black Men of Greater Montgomery, Compassion21, and The Step Foundation are just a few of the various organizations that welcome anyone who has a desire to impact the lives of young people.

Volunteer to mentor a child.