The economic case for high school reform and increasing graduation rates is made in the new NGA Center publication, Graduation Pays. The NGA Center has customized the brochure for each state to include state specific data. NGA hopes states will use this document as part of a larger strategic communications campaign for the purpose of building public will for high school reform.

Americans need to demand that all high school students graduate on-time and ready for college. New research from ACT shows that the level of readiness needed to enter jobs offering a livable wage is not lower than that needed for college. High schools are failing to prepare too many of our students for work and higher education. It is important for the future of each and every student; it is important for us as a state to improve our economy; and it is important for us as a nation to be competitive in today's global economy.

Click here for the United States version of the brochure.

For state versions of the brochure, please click on the links below: