Make a difference

"Research shows that individuals who graduate and have access to quality education throughout primary and secondary school are more likely to find gainful employment, have stable families, and be active and productive citizens. They are also less likely to commit serious crimes, less likely to place high demands on the public health care system, and less likely to be enrolled in welfare assistance programs. A good education provides substantial benefits to individuals and, as individual benefits are aggregated throughout a community, creates broad social and economic benefits."

The Social and Economic Benefits of Public Education, Dana Mitra, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education, Pennsylvania State University

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"Teachers have a very significant, lifelong impact on all of their students. This impact involves not only the teaching of particular academic skills, but as importantly, the fostering of student self-esteem. Reinforcing self-esteem in the classroom is associated with increased motivation and learning."

The Impact of Teachers: A Story of Indelible Memories and Self-Esteem, Dr. Robert Brooks, clinical psychologist, author, national speaker

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"Four Ways that Neighborhood Schools Strengthen Communities...

1. Strong schools attract families and businesses boosting the local economy and driving population growth.
2. Families build more and better relationships with other families in their community, building neighborhood cohesion and trust.
3. When students attend a school near their home, families can more easily connect with teachers and contribute as school volunteers and leaders.
4. More and more, high schools are functioning like community centers, offering opportunities that build the health and wellbeing of residents nearby."

The Chicago Community Trust