November 15, 2011 – Today, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle participated in the Multiple Pathways to Graduation Summit, hosted by the D2 Center, The Sherwood Foundation, Building Bright Futures and the City of Omaha. The summit focused on providing viable options for disengaged, off-track and out-of-school youth to help them earn a diploma and become college ready. These are students facing challenges that prevent them from being successful in a traditional high school setting.
Mayor Suttle, along with Dr. Roger Breed, Nebraska Commissioner of Education, Randy Schmailzl, President of Metropolitan Community College, and Andrew Moore, Senior Fellow with the National League of Cities’ Institute for Youth, Education and Families, took part in a panel discussion on strategies to decrease truancy and increase graduation rates for at-risk youth. Terry Grobe, from Jobs for the Future, also spoke at today’s summit.
“By helping to keep our students in school and on the path to graduation, we are making an investment in our city’s future,” said Mayor Suttle. “In order for Omaha’s economy to continue to move forward, we must have a talented workforce of capable individuals who possess the education and skills to compete in our modern economy. Omaha’s future depends on the success of every student.”
The findings of today’s summit will help school districts and community based organizations work together to build partnerships and expand opportunities in the metro area for disengaged students.
President of Metro Community College, Randy Schmailzl, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle and Nebraska Commissioner of Education Dr. Roger Breed
