The problem of dropping out of school is not just an individual problem, but it is costly to society as a whole. Warren and Halpen-Manners (2007) explained that “school dropout is of fundamental social, economic, and political importance and has major implications for educational policies and practices, patterns of economic and racial/ethnic inequality, and the quality of the American workforce. (p. 335). Along with this, Neild et al (2008) further argued that entering the portal to adult life without a high school diploma carries serious economic and career penalties. Kennelly (2007) also explains that “when students drop out…. the consequences for the quality of life, prosperity and competitiveness of the communities in which they live and collectively across the country are significant” (p. 4). If the nation fails to develop future leaders, the well-being of the entire nation is at risk (Kennelly, 2007). According to Esch (2003), high school graduates earn on average about 70 percent more than dropouts. To put things in perspective, with approximately four million ninth graders in the 2003-04 school year, just over a million dropped out of the class of 2007. That's more than $325 billion. of total additional lifetime income if these students were to graduate (AEE, 2007). With limited education, high school dropouts may struggle to become employable. Even though in recent decades, high school graduates have made economic gains, there are still a number of people who are not in the labor force. School dropouts have been found to have a negative impact on the country's workforce. Kaufman (1999) explains: “Many technological advances have fueled the demand for a highly skilled workforce; so, high school... middle of article...... November 21, 2009, from Dissertations & Theses: Full Text. (Publication No. AAT 3177640). Wells, S.E. (1990). Youth at risk: identification, programs and recommendations. Englewood, CA: Teacher Idea Press. Whitehouse Social Statistics Information Room (2005). National Center for Education Statistics U.S. Department of Education. Accessed March 6, 2009, from http://nces.ed.gov/ssbr/pages/dropoutrates.asp?IndID=27 White House Social Statistics Briefing Room (2009). Remarks by President Barack Obama – As prepared for address to the Joint Session of Congress. Retrieved March 6, 2009, from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/remarks-of-president-barack-obama-address-to-joint-session-of-congress/ Wolters, A. (2008). Alternative learning programs: Student perceptions. Retrieved May 5, 2010 from Dissertations & Theses: Full Text. (Publication No. AAT 3312912).