The school dropout rate, along with illiteracy, concerns our city's political and business leaders, as well as our educators. Will our young people have the skills and education needed in tomorrow's work place? At a time when the workplace skill requirements are changing and advancing, many students are dropping out of school. As a result, our young people are becoming illiterate adults in a changing world.

The Southern region of Dallas, Texas has a high concentration of unemployed and economically deprived residents. The business and educational communities have identified literacy and dropout prevention as pivotal components in preparing people in this community for successful placement in the workforce.