ENDORSEMENTS
Foreword by President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter
We first met Bill Milliken and Neil Shorthouse more than 30 years ago when they came to us in Georgia with an innovative response to the loss of so many young people from the public school system. We supported the fledgling program, then called EXODUS, from the governor's office. Upon entering the White House in 1977, we helped Bill take his work to a national level and have continued our interest in the years since.
Having helped get Communities In Schools off to a good start, it has been a joy to watch it become an important force for change. Our affection for and commitment to Bill Milliken and Neil Shorthouse have never wavered - they are truly life companions for both of us. Bill's faithful insistence that "Programs don't change people - relationships do" has been a constant reminder and inspiration for us in all of our endeavors.
This extraordinary account tells how Bill and Neil and their colleagues developed the insights that have meant so much to communities across the country. The publication of The Last Dropout could not be more timely. Americans are waking up to the truth about how we do - or don't - serve our children through the public school system. About one third of all young people and 50 percent of poor and minority youth fail to graduate with their peers. Dropping out of school is economically disastrous for the dropout, who is crying out for social justice, not more discrimination. That poor people bear the burden of our failure to create an equitable public education system is one of the major themes of this work. Anyone who hopes to reverse the economic injustices of our society must confront this reality.
The dropout epidemic is costing America too many children, too many tears, too many futures. The Last Dropout is a declaration of hope and a call to action, showing how we can change schools and communities, one student and one family at a time. It is also a book of wonderful human stories from a deeply caring and spiritual individual.
- President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter
Praise for The Last Dropout
More than 20 notable leaders, including a former U.S. President, education leaders, corporate CEOs, a governor, two senators, major philanhtropists and prominent figures in the sports and enterntainment industries have lent their names and endorsements to this powerful new book.
| Herb Alpert
Bill Milliken's sensitive, out-of-the-box vision has inserted an effective and proven safety net into the enormous dropout problem.
Herb Alpert Musician, Producer, and Co-Founder of A&M Records |
Richard C. Harwood
Bill Milliken is a modern-day prophet whose voice calls us to step forward and act for the common good of all our children. If you want to make a difference in the lives of children, if you want communities that work for everyone, then read this book. Richard C. Harwood President, Harwood Institute for Public Innovation |
Jim Senegal
“Every child needs and deserves a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult.” I’ve heard Bill Milliken say this a thousand times in the 12 years I’ve known him – to teachers, public officials, corporate leaders – to anyone who will listen. Bill has done so much to help kids stay in school and do well in their studies. These stories are inspiring! Jim Sinegal President and CEO, Costco Wholesale Corporation |
| Wally Amos The Last Dropout, like Communities In Schools, is about hope, belief, commitment and love: the hope for a better future for all children; the belief that certain principles, applied effectively, actually do make a positive difference in schools and communities; and the commitment, reinforced with love, to do whatever we must to ensure all kids succeed in school and prepare for life. Wally Amos Literacy Advocate and Founder, Chip & Cookie, Inc |
Kenneth D. Lewis The success of our students and schools is essential to the future economic well-being of our communities and our country. Bank of America has been honored to support Communities In Schools and their efforts to turn potential dropouts into student leaders for today, and our nation’s leaders for tomorrow. Kenneth D. Lewis Chairman and CEO, Bank of America |
Patty Stonesifer We can all agree that all students deserve an education that prepares them for college, career and life. But with more than one million students dropping out a year, our belief in this is not enough - we need to understand the drop-out problem and take the action that Bill Milliken suggests. If enough of us just do this, we can create an education system that works for all young people. Patty Stonesifer CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Burt Bacharach I have always had great admiration for Bill, right from the beginning, for his dedication and commitment to kids and education. Burt Bacharach Legendary Composer |
Senator Richard G. Lugar I commend my good friend Bill Milliken, of Communities In Schools, for sharing his vision for a future in which there are no more high school dropouts. His blueprint for change should be studied closely in communities across the country. It is imperative that we all work together to give all students the support they need to reach their potential. Richard G. Lugar United States Senator |
Thomas J. Tierney Bill Milliken's book is essential reading for any businessperson who cares about the future of education in America and the importance of an educated workforce. He vividly illustrates the power of collaboration and innovation to combat the dropout epidemic that plagues our local school systems. The Last Dropout describes a leveraged alternative to throwing money at seemingly intractable problems; it describes a robust strategy that delivers breakthrough results-- and offers a significant multiplier on our charitable dollars. America's children deserve to benefit from these insights. Thomas J. Tierney Chairman and Co-Founder, The Bridgespan Group |
| Noah benShea Bill Milliken has spent a lifetime learning what the rest of us would be wise not forget. The Last Dropout is a call to awareness, advocacy, and action. It is a road map for a society that has lost its way in its commitment to the next generation, and there is not grace enough in heaven for any of us who do not think about those who will come after us. I do not suggest you read this book; I suggest you take it to heart. Noah benShea Philosopher and Author |
Pam and Pierre Omidyar Bill's uplifting story of his life's work shows us that every child has something to contribute, and that to achieve that potential, we must create the right environment for our children. Through better access to community services, rich connections with others, and a sense of ownership for their own success, our children can thrive in both academics and in life. In his comprehensive book, Bill engages us to envision the CIS model scaled to reach every schoolchild across the country, and he challenges all of us to work together to help our children achieve the success they deserve. Pam and Pierre Omidyar Founder and Chairman of eBay; Co-founders of the Omidyar Network |
Jim Wallis Bill Milliken has distilled 40 years of experience – with kids on the streets, with teachers and staff in schools, with lay and clergy in churches and temples, with corporate leaders in boardrooms, and with public leaders in halls of government – down to a few key principles with a single, compelling purpose: helping troubled students do well in school and reclaim their futures. The title of Part One summarizes not only the book, but also the theme of Bill Milliken’s own life and work, “It all starts with relationships.” This is both a powerfully practical and spiritually uplifting book. Now there’s a combination! Jim Wallis President of Sojourners/Call to Renewal and Author of God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It |
| Senator William E. Brock This is a book about the real world: one where children are not just statistics. In it, Bill Milliken tells us how to involve the community in every school, nurture and excite each student, add a healthy dose of caring, capable educators, and truly leave no child behind. It is a recipe that works. William E. Brock Former U. S. Senator, Ambassador, and Secretary of Labor |
Governor Tim Pawlenty We can’t possibly succeed in the hypercompetitive global economy with one third of our young people on the bench. Additional rigor and relevance are important, but the crisis in our schools also requires all of us to pitch in. We need to mobilize an army of adult volunteers to come along side our dedicated educators and change the dynamics of the “Dropout Nation.” Bill Milliken is a powerful, effective advocate because he has lived the revolution he is helping to lead. Governor Tim Pawlenty Chair of the National Governors Association |
Reg Weaver Great public schools are a basic right for every child. That right can only be guaranteed when communities partner with educators to assure that each student has the resources needed to succeed. In “The Last Dropout: Stop the Epidemic!” Bill Milliken tells us that we can end the dropout crisis only if we get serious about working together to meet the diverse needs of students in our public schools. Milliken puts the spotlight on the crisis, and now it will take everyone sharing responsibility to correct it. Reg Weaver President, National Education Association |
| Joel Klein We must dispel the lie that our children's destinies are determined essentially by the families they're born into or the color of their skin. Comprehensive student support services that build resiliency skills in students are a key strategy to dispel that lie, and Bill Milliken has been a pioneer in this arena for many years. Joel Klein Chancellor, New York City Department of Education |
Jerry Rice If parents, teachers and leaders make education a top priority, then our children will understand the importance of school and continue on the right path. This book clearly shows us the winning way. Jerry Rice NFL Legend, Broadcaster, and Author of Go Long! My Journey Beyond the Game and the Fame |
Steve and Elaine Wynn As long-time supporters of Communities In Schools, we have seen first-hand the remarkable results that are possible when these profoundly important principles are in place. Now, other business leaders, educators, legislators and community members can also find inspiration and a blueprint for action in The Last Dropout. Steve and Elaine Wynn Wynn Resorts |
| Deepak Chopra Bill Milliken's book, The Last Dropout, is proof that visionaries like him see the full potential in our children. These are the visionaries and leaders of our future and of our civilizations. If you want to make a difference in the world, read this book. Deepak Chopra Author, The Book of Secrets |
Billy Shore No one but Bill Milliken could have written The Last Dropout, because no one but Bill Milliken has been able to connect his own personal journey so powerfully to what America’s students need today. This book is a well of inspiration from which one can drink again and again. If we are serious about a different vision for America – one that begins with education and runs straight through to justice for all – The Last Dropout shows us how to give our children the hope and promise they deserve. Billy Shore Founder and Executive Director, Share Our Strength |
|
| Thomas J. Donahue Education is one issue where changing policy is just the first step. In The Last Dropout, Bill Milliken clearly outlines the elements necessary for lasting reform. If we don't get serious about equipping students with the knowledge and skills that they need to be successful adults, then we need to be prepared to face the economic and social consequences. Thomas J. Donahue President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce |
Russell Simmons Bill Milliken is one of my heroes. He made a lifelong commitment to young people and always walks his talk. This book tells the truth – with facts and stories and heart and humor – about how ‘the system’ has failed so many of our kids, and what we can and must do about that. Russell Simmons Founder, Def Jam Music and Phat Fashions |
