The High School Challenge


Years ago, I felt like I was the volunteer of last resort. I sat next to Maddie in an empty classroom. Because of her obstinate refusal to do any school work, she was failing nearly every class. She didn’t care.

I gave her my High School Challenge:







Multiply the minimum wage by 160 working hours per month. 

Subtract taxes, rent, utilities, food, transportation, and medical costs.

What is the remainder? 

She sniffed and gave me a “So what?” look. 

Here she was, sitting in a publicly funded school, with an all-expenses paid opportunity to jump past the poverty line that awaited if she dropped out. 





High school is the best deal around. Some students can take college courses—saving thousands of dollars. Industrially-minded students can learn marketable trades that can lead to apprenticeships after graduation. Google, Apple, Costco, and about 10 other corporate giants are filling mid-management positions with people only having high school diplomas. It's about their determined work ethic. 




Students are heading back for another school year. For some, they can’t see far enough ahead to know that what they do now will make a difference later. 

If we really want a better future for our nation, it won’t happen in the White House, it will happen in the school house. 

Sure, we can hope our overworked teachers can connect to every student. But to really make the most of our tax dollars, find a Maddie near you and give your own version of the High School Challenge. Then smile, and say, "Let's get to work."

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