CPB Launches New Initiative to Fight American Dropout Rate

CPB, in partnership with America’s Promise Alliance and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, launched the American Graduate Tuesday in D.C. — a significant new initiative to combat the dropout epidemic in the U.S. Independent Lens host America Ferrera was on hand to discuss ways Public Media can play a meaningful role in education.

Tuesday’s program aimed to build on public broadcasting’s long-standing commitment to education by convening conversations and strengthening partnerships between public radio and television stations and local schools, businesses, and community organizations — all with the goal of helping students stay on course to graduate from high school. In addition to America Ferrera, the event included actors Hill Harper and Aimee Garcia; NewsHour’s Ray Suarez; Michael Powell from Promise Alliance; Don Shalvey from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and CPB President & CEO Patricia Harrison. 

Visit the American Graduate Facebook page to find more up to date information from the event.