GRADUATE IMPACT Financial positives

Statistics show high school graduates earn more money, pay more taxes and put less demand on public services than do high school dropouts. Youngstown City Schools improved graduation rates from 54.1 percent in 2002-03 to 71.9 percent in 2005-06. For every 1,000 students entering high school, 178 more are graduating now than four years ago, providing a positive financial impact. A breakdown shows:

178 additional graduates.

$46.3 million in lifetime earned income.

$22.6 million in reduced public services costs.

$10.7 million in lifetime federal and state taxes.

$1.3 million in local taxes.

Total $80.9 million improvement in the lives of students and community.

Source: Dr. Ray Hart, Bureau of Research, Training and Services, Kent State University