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The Challenges:

Grand Rapids has a severe dropout problem.

In 2005-06, only 68 percent of GRPS students graduated at the end of 12^th grade. (Center for Educational Performance and Information, Michigan Department of Education).
According to the 2000 Census, 34 percent of 18-24 year old males living in the City of Grand Rapids have no high school diploma or GED.
A study by Johns Hopkins University comparing freshmen who entered high school to the number of seniors who graduated four years later identified four GRPS high schools as "dropout factories." In one of those schools, the study showed that only 25% of incoming freshmen graduated four years later.

Home > The Challenges > High Dropout Rate The Challenges: Grand Rapids has a severe dropout problem. In 2005-06, only 68 percent of GRPS students graduated at the end of 12^th grade. (Center for Educational Performance and Information, Michigan Department of Education). According to the 2000 Census, 34 percent of 18-24 year old males living in the City of Grand Rapids have no high school diploma or GED. A study by Johns Hopkins University comparing freshmen who entered high school to the number of seniors who graduated four years later identified four GRPS high schools as "dropout factories." In one of those schools, the study showed that only 25% of incoming freshmen graduated four years later. Another Challenge: Low College Attendence		On average, high school dropouts earn lower wages, are unemployed more frequently, and are in poorer health. National Center for Education Statistics, Dropout Rates in the United States, 2005
Grand Rapids Community Foundation 185 Oakes Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 - Tel: 616.454.1751 Fax: 616.454.6455