During the month of June, in communities throughout the nation, high school seniors will be crossing the commencement stage to receive their diplomas. As their families and friends cheer them on during their graduation, they will also be experiencing a wonderful turning point in their lives - a symbolic passage into adulthood. Tragically, for far too many students, this special moment will never be a reality.

Nationally, according to a Manhattan Institute report, the graduation rate for the class of 2001 was 70 percent, with only 51 percent of African-American students and 52 percent of Latino students receiving high school diplomas. In California, only 67 percent of the class of 2001 received high school diplomas and, among Latino students, only 56 percent graduated from high school.

This strikingly low number of high school graduates has devastating economic and social consequences for high school dropouts and our nation as a whole. According to U.S. Census data, high school dropouts earn one-third less than high school graduates and one-half less than college graduates. For our country's youth, these wage disparities highlight the importance of a high school diploma in helping them to obtain a financially secure future.

Our nation's economy also benefits from a better educated workforce. The contribution of high school graduates to the economic well being of our nation was clearly demonstrated in a study by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. The study found that if the Latino college graduation rate doubled by 2010, public revenues would increase by $13 billion through reduced public spending and an increased tax base. This additional revenue could be used to improve our schools, hospitals, infrastructure and national security. In addition, according to the Fund study, our economy would be strengthened by increased consumer spending estimated at approximately $14 billion.

To help address the high school drop out rate in our nation, I am among a proud and active group, made up of Members of Congress and elected officials from all levels of government, who have joined advocacy organizations throughout the country to promote an initiative dubbed "Graduation For All: A Right & Responsibility." This campaign is a coordinated effort to raise awareness about the educational barriers facing our children and to garner national support for passage of "The Graduation for All Act" (HR 3085).

"The Graduation for All Act" would direct federal resources to secondary schools to enhance literacy skills by establishing effective reading and writing programs, hiring literacy coaches and strengthening reading and writing curriculum. While targeting schools with the lowest graduation rates, the measure would also assist states and school districts to develop individual graduation plans for "at risk" students.

This measure would supplement the promising goals of "The No Child Left Behind Act," which primarily targets elementary school students. Toward that end, I remain hopeful the Administration will fully fund "The No Child Left Behind Act" as originally authorized.

With the help of communities across this nation, I am optimistic Congress will pass "The Graduation for All Act," and I would encourage students, parents, educators and local leaders to contact the Administration and members of the congressional leadership in support of this critically needed measure.

In closing, let me congratulate the graduates of 2004 and their proud parents and family members who are sharing in their joy and achievements. You are all role models for others to follow. Above all, through hard work and perseverance, you have all demonstrated that even under the most difficult of circumstances, success is possible.