GradNation Community Summit examines efforts to improve graduation rates

More than 250 community officials, business leaders and educators attended the GradNation Community Summit Oct. 20 at the Fresno State Residence Dining Hall, The summit, one of 100 nationwide, examined local data and identified what’s working and where the challenges remain in Fresno County’s efforts to prepare young people for success in and out of school.

Summit keynote panelists were Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearingen, Fresno Chief of Police Jerry Dyer, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Jim Yovino, Fresno Deputy District Attorney for Community Outreach and Truancy Prevention Jennifer Smith and Executive Director of First 5 of Fresno County Emilia Reyes.

The GradNation Community Summit will also serve as a launching pad for the development of a multi-year community action plan that outlines how Fresno County will accelerate efforts to raise the high school graduation rate. This plan will include a series of metrics and a process for evaluating progress.

The premier sponsor of the national GradNation Community Summits initiative is AT&T, whose support is part of AT&T Aspire, the company’s $350 million commitment to graduate more students from high school ready for college and career. Southwest Airlines is also a national sponsor of the GradNation Community Summit. The local sponsor was the Fresno County Office of Education.