Statement of Need
South Carolina schools are widely regarded as some of the worst in the nation. There are over 129,000 children being forced to attend failing schools throughout our state, because their parents don’t have the means or the resources to send them to a better learning environment.  In January 2006, ABC’s “20/20” report, “Stupid In America,” put a face on South Carolina’s problem education system with the story of Dorian Cain. It was reported that local 18-year-old Cain had gone through South Carolina’s public school system and was reading at a fourth-grade level. After attending a commercial learning center, his reading went up two grade levels in 72 hours. Statistics show that the failing of Dorian by the education system is not isolated.

There is a crisis in the education of African Americans and other minorities in South Carolina. According to the U.S. Department of Education, only

• 32 percent of South Carolina’s fourth graders are proficient at math.

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• 26 percent are proficient at reading.

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• 17 percent are proficient at writing.

Among eighth graders, only one out of four is proficient at reading and math, while only one in five is proficient in writing.

The achievement gap does not only apply to elementary school students. According to the United States Department of Education, South Carolinians rank 50^th in the country in college entrance exam results (SAT or ACT) and dead last in graduation rates. While 70 percent of Americans graduate on time, fewer than half of South Carolina students who enter high school graduate. Sadly, South Carolina ranks 49^th in the proportion of students entering college and 48^th in those who have students stay beyond their sophomore year.

The South is near the bottom in median income and unemployment rates. It is more than probable that our economic predicament is linked to our underperforming educational system.

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2005 KIDS COUNT State Level Data Online, South Carolina ranks 45th nationwide in the well-being of children. The report, found at www.kidscount.org, identifies the following ranks for South Carolina comparative to other states: Single-parent families with children (47th), Children in families without steady employment (29th), High school dropouts (41st), Children in poverty (42nd).

Help us help our children excel and fulfill their dreams of achievement and success.  It takes approximately $5,000.00 to send one child to an alternative learning environment designed to address the cultural, individual, and academic challenges they may face.  You can help by contributing to CEO Education Fund, you can do a lot to ensure that America's children receive a good Education.  Funds will be used to support the following activities around the state:

·         Early Childhood Development

·         After school Programs

·         Mentoring

·         Homework Centers

·         Summer Camps

·         Computer Learning Centers

·         School Choice

·         Education Reform

·         Life skills and Enrichment Programs

·         Adult Literacy

·         Community Information Workshops

·         Scholarships

·         Publications

·         Technology