Education Matters
In pursuit of Ready for Life’s vision that all Nevada youth are ready for life, supported by a community ethic that values education, and in tandem with the Clark County School District’s Reclaim Your Future Initiative, we have launched the Graduate Advocate Initiative. The Las Vegas business community is coming together to engage with students through one-on-one mentoring towards graduation, continuing education and career development.
Be a Mentor
The future of Nevada’s economic success hinges upon increasing high school graduation rates. Mentoring offers a proven method for engaging with youth in sharing ideas, setting goals and building their self-confidence. As Graduation Advocates you will support the success of Southern Nevada students by guiding them towards graduation and helping them transition from school to career. Potential mentors will be interviewed, background checked and receive training and support towards being an effective youth mentor.
Return on Investment
There are countless benefits associated with mentoring and they are as unique as the mentors themselves. Developing a relationship with a youth by sharing experiences and providing guidance towards future success ignites a spark that will ripple throughout our community. Far from just a sense of satisfaction mentoring builds personal leadership skills, gives exposure to diverse personalities and thoughts, and affords individuals the opportunity to create a legacy by imparting wisdom on our future leaders.
Graduate Mentor Responsibilities
A Graduate Mentor is more than simply an information source. They:
- Share knowledge and understanding
- Share personal experience and know-how
- Facilitate career development through guidance and advice
- Motivate students to strive for success
- Serve as a role model
- Act as a supportive sounding board
- Are a champion for students
Why does education matter?
The future of Nevada’s economic success hinges upon increasing the high school graduation rates. There is a direct correlation between the high school dropout crisis and economic growth. The challenges of today’s economy are increasing educational requirements and are rapidly changing the transition from student to working adult. Most young adults experience detours on the road to economic independence, including periods of unemployment and periodic interruptions in their education. These youth are at high risk of becoming ‘disconnected’.
An estimated 23,900 students dropped out of high school in 2010. If just half of those students had graduated, here is how it would impact Nevada’s economy:
- $107 million in increased earnings
- $78 million in increased spending
- $30 million in increased investments
- $299 million in increased home sales
- $13 million in increased auto sales
- 700 new jobs
- $131 million in economic growth
- Increased human capital –45% of these new graduates would likely pursue some post-secondary education
