The recently passed high school dropout bill, reported April 26, “Probst’s dropout prevention bill passes,” is an excellent way to help working class citizens who are struggling in America’s current economic crisis. When a person drops out of school, they are usually forced to work minimum-wage jobs, such as fast food or retail.
People with college degrees being hired over those who dropped out are forced to work minimum-wage jobs because of layoffs or closing businesses. This makes it hard for dropouts to find ways of making a living, forcing some to seek government aid.
Generations ago, dropouts could easily find decent-wage jobs working in factories and mills. A 2008 Albany Times Union story reported “High-school dropouts who lack job training have seen their already limited employment prospects steadily decline during America’s shift from a manufacturing-based economy to a service economy.”
Today, the economy has shifted to a service economy giving fewer job opportunities to those who lack education. Giving schools cash awards for reducing dropout rates will aid the economy and make sure students gain an education, which also lowers the poverty rate.
