STAND UP is a National Campaign to Mobilize all Americans to demand a solution to the education crisis in America where one-third of high school students do not graduate with their class, and where one-third of those who do graduate do not have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and employment. It also gives parents the tools they need to help their children receive the education they deserve while ensuring that students receive the support they need to graduate from high school ready for college, work, and citizenship.
STAND UP is a national community-based campaign. This campaign is part of an effort that includes dozens of education-related organizations in school districts across the country. We are joining forces with parents, teachers, principals, concerned citizens, and community leaders; together, we demand that high schools be improved to better prepare all students for success. We stand up together for our young people and our nation’s future.
STAND UP is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Creative concepts and direction come from a host of groups led by the nonprofit Public Interest. We are working with similar initiatives, including MTV’s Think Over Your Education campaign which was launched last year.
We want people to pay attention to the education crisis in America, and to do something about it. Too many of our young people leave high school unprepared to thrive in today’s global economy. This crisis hurts kids in all of our communities – from our small towns to our suburbs, to our big cities. We want everyone to STAND UP and make a difference. We do not have all the answers, and we know change will not happen overnight. Getting the nation to STAND UP for the hopes and dreams of all of our children is a critical first step.
STAND UP is the first nationwide grassroots campaign to call on all Americans to become engaged in improving American high schools. This campaign recognizes that everyone has a stake in our high schools and a role in making them better. STAND UP is not about pushing one curriculum or one type of high school. It is about ensuring that all high schools are excellent high schools and all students are considered college material.
The STAND UP Web site (www.standup.org) provides valuable information and resources to help make sure high schools are serving all students well. It builds on the growing momentum around high school reform. The STAND UP Web site provides information about the state of the nation’s high schools and offers specific ways for people to become a part of the solution.
Learn more about NCLR's STAND UP Schools
