A movement is not built by one individual, but by a coalition, a community. I want to thank each of you who have joined with CAST Schools to interrupt patterns of income inequality so that students from all backgrounds have access to the high-demand, high-wage jobs in our growing city. While we have grown to 7 schools, our intent is to be open source lab schools for our districts, and to catalyze a new approach that asks students to drive their own learning, and teachers to act as facilitators. Like you, we believe that all young people come with gifts, and we design schools that allow them to unlock them.
CAST is just one catalyst in a movement to rethink the factory model of schooling. Thanks to every one of you who both love the public schools and absolutely know we must demand more for our young people – it is that paradoxical stance that will drive the needed change to make our local schools a true engine of economic mobility.
We also started our schools because we knew that in San Antonio only about 50 percent of high school graduates went to college, so we wanted schools that would prepare students for anything they might do, be it college, a job, or a combo of the two. We just went through 6 graduations over the past 2 weeks, and I am proud to report that more than 90 percent of our students plan to enroll in college. Also, many are doing apprenticeships, with a job at the other end of their training, a handful joined the military, and most will work while in college – some, at places like the Marriott, who will help pay for their college tuition. We care equally for the small group who plan to go straight to work, and we are offering additional certifications for them this summer. But just as a note of pride – our college-going rate compares favorably to any high school in our city, speaking to their academic preparation.
I feel so fortunate to have had so many fun jobs in my life – as a teacher, a journalist, working for 2 Mayors and many nonprofits – but CAST Schools has been the highlight of my professional career. Honestly, working with young people is an absolute joy and also a workforce imperative. They are in fact our future leaders, and also, they are hilarious.
So as I say “Hasta Luego,” rather than “Adios,” here is a final plea: pay attention to the young people in your life – listen to what they say they need, and what their hopes are. And if you don’t have a young person in your life, consider changing that. Mentor a student. Be a reading buddy. Start an internship program at your company. This is how our movement grows and both our young people, and our city, achieve their true potential.