California
Our 2010 Policy Priority:
- America’s Edge California is supporting efforts to connect high school students to real world experiences and help them graduate with the 21st century skills California businesses need through Linked Learning, a promising initiative to improve high schools while also connecting to actual needs in the state’s economy.
Linked Learning will strengthen California businesses and the economy because, as adults, participants:
- Earn more money;
- Work more hours;
- Have a better work ethic; and
- Have a higher skill level.
For more information about the Linked Learning initiative, please click here.
Linked Learning in the News
On August 2nd, the San Francisco Chronicle published a letter-to-the-editor by Joseph H. Haraburda, CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, explaining that Linked Learning benefits Business by boosting grad rates and providing a more prepared entry-level workforce. Click here to read the article.
Did you know that in California:
- 9.3 million children (to the age of 18) live in the state;
- Almost 1 out of every 3 children live in a household with only one parent;
- More than 91,400 children participate in the federally-funded Head Start program;
- 77 percent of eighth graders are below grade level in math;
- 76 percent of fourth graders are reading below grade level; and
- 33 percent of high school students do not graduate on time with a high school diploma.
*For more information, please contact America’s Edge California State Director Jennifer Ortega at (415) 762-8275, or jortega@AmericasEdge.org.