Public broadcasting gets into the dropout fight

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has launched a significant public media initiative to help improve the nation's high school graduation rates.

The American Graduate campaign is aimed at students in middle school – a critical point when the disengagement that leads to dropping out in high school often begins.

Local public radio and television stations located in 20 community "hubs" across the country where the dropout crisis is most acute will provide their resources and services to raise awareness, coordinate action with community partners, and work directly with students, parents, teachers, mentors, volunteers and leaders to lower the dropout rate in their respective communities.  

"Public radio and television stations are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, and they have demonstrated time and again that they are an important resource in helping to address critical issues, such as the mortgage crisis, at the local level," said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of CPB.

CPB will initially grant $4.4 million to the 20 market hubs, which serve as the core of community interest and activity around high school graduation rates.  As many as 40 more markets will receive grants through the National Center for Media Engagement.