"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
On issues concerning Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, our WBTV Editorial Board has always encouraged greater community involvement.
Now, some community leaders are championing a project that takes that involvement to a whole new level.
It's called "Project L.I.F.T .", and group leaders were recently invited to the White House to discuss how businesses can help schools.
Project L.I.F.T stands for Leadership and Investment For Transformation.
One of their main goals is to address the achievement gap that separates minority and low-income students from their peers at CMS.
The group says the need for change is urgent, and we agree.
Project L.I.F.T. is driven by leaders from nine of the largest corporate and family foundations in Charlotte, along with Mayor Anthony Foxx and many others.
Project L.I.F.T hopes to raise 55 million dollars over the next 5 years to foster lasting improvement in struggling West Charlotte Corridor Schools and other high poverty zones.
The West Charlotte corridor includes 6 elementary schools, Ranson Middle School and West Charlotte High School.
Only 51% of senior students graduated from West Charlotte in the 2009-2010 school year.
That's right, barely half of students there completed high school.
We are all affected by the quality of education our young people receive.
They must be prepared for college and workplace success.
We hope our entire community will support Project L.I.F.T.
Their success will be our success.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
