A BLEAK NATIONAL PICTURE: NEARLY 6.2 MILLION DROPOUTS
The dropout crisis impacts all of America regardless of race, religion or gender, but affects men, Blacks, and Hispanics particularly hard.
In 2007, an astounding 16.0% of persons between 16 and 24 years of age (nearly 6.2 million people) were high school dropouts. Among these dropouts, 60.1% were men, 39.9% were women, 18.8% were Black, and 30.1% were Hispanic.
Male Dropouts Age 16-24: 3,751,081
Female Dropouts Age 16-24: 2,422,802
In addition:
Nearly one in five U.S. men between the ages of 16-24 (18.9%) were dropouts in 2007.
Nearly three out of 10 Hispanics were dropouts (27.5%), including recent immigrants.
More than one of five Blacks had dropped out of school (21%)--versus a dropout rate for Whites of 12.2%.
Dropout levels among 16-24 year old for North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia were as follows. These figures do not include, an additional number of high school students who dropped out before receiving a diploma by the end of 2007:
State Number of Drop outs Drop Out Rate
North Carolina 202,280 17.6%
Georgia 270,114 22.1%
Virginia 139,783 13.9%
LIFELONG ECONOMIC IMPACTS FROM DROPPING OUT
Americans without a high school diploma have considerably lower earning power and job opportunities in today's workforce. Over a working lifetime from ages 18-64, high school dropouts are estimated to earn $400,000 less than those that graduated from high school.
For males, the lifetime earnings loss is nearly $485,000 and exceeds $500,000 in many large states. Due to their lower lifetime earnings and other sources of market incomes, dropouts will contribute far less in federal, state, and local taxes than they will receive in cash benefits, in-kind transfers, and correctional costs. Over their lifetimes, this will impose a net fiscal burden on the rest of society.
By contrast, adults with high school diplomas contribute major fiscal benefits to the country over their lifetime. The combined lifetime fiscal benefits--including the payment of payroll, federal, and state income taxes--could amount to more than $250,000 per graduated student. Such a public fiscal benefit more than outweighs the estimated cost of enrolling a student who has dropped out.
The above information comes from a report done by: The Center for Labor Market Studies. The report was called: Left Behind: The Nation's Dropout Crisis it was published May 5, 2009.
You can see the full report at: http://www.clms.neu.edu/public ation/documents/CLMS_2009_Drop out_Report.pdf
Now we understand the magnitude of the issue; where do we go from here?
Chateau Noir, Chef Jay and Noir Cares have created the first of its kind Culinary Education Tour 2010
"Bringing together the youth of tomorrow with the leaders of today."
The Culinary Education Tour 2010 was developed for our youth ages 8-18 and their families.
The purpose of the Culinary Education Tour 2010 is to bring together: GED assistance providers, culinary educators, human resource and job placement specialist, chefs and culinary industry professionals to help today's youth find success in the culinary field.
The initial cities for the Culinary Education Tour will include:
Charlotte, North Carolina
Atlanta, Georgia
Richmond, Virginia
Other cities to be announced
This two day tour will include:
Culinary Demonstrations
Q&A Chefs Roundtable
GED Assistance Program Information
Interviewing and Resume Writing Assistance
Culinary School Admissions Staff On-Site
Nutrition Information
Culinary Industry Roundtable
Food Safety Information
Culinary Internships
2011 Culinary Camp Registration
Food, Fun and a Great Time to be had by all
The Culinary Education Tour 2010 will enlist help from:
GED Assistance Service Providers
Culinary Arts Schools
Culinary and Pastry Chefs
Food Stylists
Food Writers
National Nutrition and Health Companies (Share Our Strength (Operation Frontline), Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, American Heart Association and others)
National Food Service Industry Companies (US Foods, Sysco, Aramark and others)
Culinary Human Resource Professionals
National Culinary Organizations (American Culinary Federation, Private Chef Associations, Catering Associations and others)
Food Service Related Business Owners and Employees (Catering companies, Restaurants and others)
Specialty Food Business Owners and Employees
Local Farms
Culinary Volunteers
Local Business Owners
Local Media Outlets
What can you do to help?
As the Culinary Education Tour 2010 takes shape we will look to the local community to provide assistance and feedback on the direction that works best for the entire community.
We will look for local area volunteers' to help bring the massive undertaking together so it runs smoothly and effectively.
We will look to local culinary schools to provide admissions staff during the tour dates to answer questions and assist in completing admission forms for interested attendees.
We will look for industry sponsorship to help promote the tour and raise awareness about this growing issue.
We will look to Culinary Professionals to provide demonstrations and feedback on the industry to tour attendees.
So what's the next step?
Understand the dilemma that the youth of tomorrow face today.
Commit to yourself that you will take time this year to help our youth become the leaders of tomorrow.
Talk to your community leaders about being a part of the Culinary Education Tour
Volunteer your time to the Culinary Education Tour and make a difference in a child's life
Explore sponsorship opportunities with your company to support the tour
Forward this information about the tour to everyone you know and help spread the word so we can help the youth of tomorrow succeed.
Join the Group: The Culinary Education Tour 2010 http://www.facebook.com/group. php?gid=236973651143&ref=mf
For volunteer and sponsorship information:
Phone: 704.782.5811
Email: Tour2010@chateaunoirllc.com
Visit: chateaunoirllc.com/tour2010
It's time to give back and help our youth succeed.
