United States Department of Education
Office of Communications and Outreach
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Dear Youth Partners,
Just one month after taking office, President Obama announced the American Graduation Initiative, where he challenged America to have the highest proportion of college graduates – whether from one-year, two-year, or four-year programs – in the world by 2020. The U.S. Department of Education is leading a National Youth Listening Tour to engage youth on the President’s 2020 goal. Through the summer and fall, the Department of Education will partner with local youth serving institutions, city government and districts to host youth forums in various cities. The National Youth Listening Tour is a part of a greater effort to engage youth, families, and communities in improving our nation’s schools. Please join us.
September 16, 2010
5:30pm-8:00pm
@ Central New Mexico Community College
Smith Basher Hall
717 University Ave.
If your organization is interested in participating, please RSVP at edstakeholder@ed.gov and let us know how many youth your organization plans to send, along with your contact information (name, organization, email address, # of youth). Upon completion of the tour, key themes, challenges and solutions will be shared with participating organizations and Department officials. Collecting information and listening to youth is a critical part in ensuring we are on our way to meeting the President’s 2020 goal. In addition, youth participants will be invited to join a “Youth Voices” Facebook page to continue the dialogue virtually, and be invited to participate in future activities with the Department. Thank for your time, energy and commitment to our nation’s youth.
With hope,
Alberto Retana
Director of Community Outreach
U.S. Department of Education
202-453-7480
