Congregations & schools unite to tackle Stockton's dropout crisis

Safe Neighborhoods | School Improvement

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton), April 6, 2009

On Saturday, April 4, over 200 faith leaders from PICO affiliate People and Congregations Together (PACT) in Stockton, CA came together with schools officials to launch a "Steps to Success Campaign" aimed at reducing the dropout rate in Stockton Unified School District. 

Superintendent Anthony Amato enthusiastically signed the pledge committing him to both support the effort and to engage the district in working with PACT congregations, including First Thessalonians Missionary Baptist Church, White Rose Church of God in Christ, Harvest Church Ministries, and Open Door House of Prayer. 

In addition to school administrators, church leaders, children and parents all signed pledges as well commiting to specific tasks in creating a partnership of support for teachers, principals, parents, and students.

Approximately 54% of Stockton Unified children dropout of school before finishing high school. The "pledge kickoff session" was the result of over a year's worth of organizing parents and youth in the district to address the city's dropout crisis.

For more information on PACT, visit www.pact4sjc.org