Fewer than 46% of students at 4-year universities complete their degree within 6 years and only 3 out of 10 students attending community colleges complete their 2-year associate degree within 3 years.
Higher education is a primary factor in improving the state of our communities and our country, as individuals who complete some form of postsecondary education are able to earn higher wages, likely increasing the financial stability for themselves and their families. But if the current student population, all members of the Millennial Generation (those born between the years 1976 and 1996), is somehow falling short of achieving its educational goals, our country faces a significant problem with consequences impacting our nation for decades to come.
Mobilize.org believes that educational attainment is one of the single most important factors in reversing generational poverty. We also believe the Millennial Generation should play an active role in the future of education in our country.
With generous support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Rappaport Family Foundation, Mobilize.org will offer Millennials the tools they need to achieve their personal educational goals and realize the impact it can have on their communities by the year 2020, Mobilize.org will convene three summits in North Carolina (October 22-24, 2010), California (April 15 -17, 2011), and Florida (June 1-3, 2012), titled Target 2020 “My Education. Our Future.”
What happens at the Summit?
At each summit, 150 students from America’s community colleges will work together and identify barriers they face in achieving their educational goals and develop Millennial-led solutions to address them. Utilizing keypad-voting technology, Summit participants will select the top five projects that will receive Mobilize.org Awards; a share of $25,000 and a year of expert support to successfully be implemented on their campuses, in their communities or online. Watch video from the Target 2020 North Carolina Summit.
How do I apply to attend the Summit?
The application for the Target 2020 California and North Carolina are closed. Applications for Target 2020 Florida will be announced in Spring 2012. If you have questions on how to get involved please email Amber Cruz, Program Manager at Amber@mobilize.org.
