Guest blogger: Kendra Walters on the Clinton Global Initiative

Kendra Walters is a self-proclaimed left wing blogger and supporter of former President Clinton. She asked me to post this for her, and I obliged: An education is something that is beyond value. Having an education is not only needed for an individual to be a productive part of this society, but it’s of grave importance for the longevity and progress of this society. The right education can open doors for a child who otherwise would not have hope of advancing further in society. Global Warming, the economy, and defense of American often take much of the spotlight when it comes to talking about America’s greatest issues, and education can sometimes be pushed to the back burner. This is unacceptable not only from the aspect of the country’s present, but also for the country’s future. Many government organizations have worked to find a solution to the dropout epidemic (over 7,000 students drop out every school day), but many have found dead ends to a problem that needs a solution. However, some organizations like the Clinton Global Initiative (an international aid and philanthropy organization started back in 2005 by former President Clinton and former Clinton personal aide Doug Band) are working with schools and have taken the steps to ensure that children not only stay in school, but that they are getting the education they both need and deserve. Working with community schools, the CIG has developed a program that will work with students who have a high risk of dropping out. The program also involves graduation coaches who work with students to help mentor them to a degree. This not only shows that graduation coaches play a role in helping the student graduate and stay in school, but also helps to boost attendance, academic achievement, the student’s self-esteem while cutting down on dropout rates. The program will not only aid the student in achieving a degree, but will help them earn an education.