The Difference Between a Graduate and a Dropout is You, Says Antonio Gates

By Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers, tight end

Every 26 seconds, a student drops out of high school in the U.S.

That’s 1.2 million students a year.  America’s high school graduation rate ranks 19th in the world; at one time, we were number one. We need to get back in the winning position.

I’ve accepted the challenge to help cut the number of high school dropouts in America in half by 2018. How will I do this? By helping United Way recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors by 2014. But I can’t do it alone. It’s going to take all of us—working together as a team—to get this done.

Growing up in inner-city Detroit, I had to overcome daily struggles. I had clear goals, but it wasn’t easy.  I learned to affiliate myself with positive people that had similar goals for education and success. I was on a mission to go to college and become a professional athlete, and because of this experience I want to help open doors for kids to have opportunities to reach their dreams. And education is the key.

The principles for winning as a community are the same as those required to win on the field: togetherness, trust and believing in one another.

I am proud to support United Way in their effort to improve education. Join me! Take the pledge and volunteer as a reader, tutor or mentor!