Solutions At Hand
To sustain our state in these times, we must build our brain power. That means doing a better job of educating more students — ensuring they succeed in school and then in college.
Solutions are at hand. Better educating more students requires ongoing efforts by everyone. Here are steps we can take — as parents, neighbors and communities:
- Commit time
- Help students prepare
- Invest money
- Speak up
Here are some ideas to get you started; then consider other steps you can imagine taking.
Commit Time
Volunteer, mentor, get informed or get others involved.Examples — A company offers workplace tutoring...an individual speaks to a class about her career path...a student uses an online tool to explore career and education possibilities...a teacher plans how to involve parents...a community starts an after-school program
Help Students Prepare
Offer information or support for all the ways students can help themselves succeed academically — including academic enrichment, access and college prep programs.Examples — A business allocates 40 hours a year for employees to volunteer with students...a parent reinforces classroom learning with fun real-world activities...a teacher expresses high expectations for all her students...a community starts a tutoring program
Invest Money
Give money to organizations serving children’s education needs, contribute to a scholarship fund or support public investments — ranging from improved funding for preschool to increasing need-based aid for college students.Examples — A parent sets up 529 savings accounts for his children...a business gives money to a nonprofit that works on college access...a local organization establishes a scholarship.a voter decides a district’s bond referendum is a needed investment
Speak Up
Tell others about our challenges, share ideas for what we can do, encourage young people to plan for college or urge policymakers to address this challenge.Examples — A parent gives a LearnmoreMN presentation at a PTA meeting...a clergy member brings in recent college grads to speak to a youth group...an educator champions college prep for all students...an employee urges her employer to develop a school partnership
<<The reason why children fail is because we let them, in a lot of ways. It is up to me to change the lives of the students who I think I can help.>>
—Tinbete Ermyas, recent college graduate
