[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 122 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          COMPACT FOR SUCCESS

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of funding in the 
Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations bill for the 
Compact for Success, an educational reform and college guarantee 
program at the Sweetwater Union High School District, located in my 
Congressional District in California. The Sweetwater Education 
Foundation, a non-profit organization, facilitates this program.
  The Sweetwater Union High School District serves the densely 
populated corridor between downtown San Diego and the international 
border with Mexico, including nearly 40,000 students in grades seven 
through twelve. These students live in some of the most diverse and 
economically disadvantaged communities in the state. The schools serve 
large numbers of ``latchkey'' children, many of whom enter school 
behind in basic academic skills. Nearly half of the students in the 
district qualify for free or reduced price meals, a figure that is as 
high as 90 percent at some sites.
  In addition to their economic disadvantage, a significant percentage 
of Sweetwater youth come from homes where adult educational attainment 
is low. Many parents are new immigrants with limited schooling in their 
home countries. With little history of academic success, these adults 
often lack the first-hand ``know-how'' so critical in helping their 
children reach high achievement goals and think about attending 
college.
  With 84 percent of its students coming from ethnicities traditionally 
under-represented in higher education, Sweetwater is one of 
California's most diverse districts. More than half of Sweetwater's 
students speak a language other than English at home.
  The Compact for Success, now entering its fifth year, is raising the 
bar academically and giving the Sweetwater students the tools to reach 
their goal of attending a four-year university. Compact participants 
are students of Sweetwater Union High School District, who complete six 
years in the Compact program in exchange for guaranteed admission to 
San Diego State University.
  Even though the first class of Compact students is in the 11th grade, 
the impact of higher expectations is already evident. This year, the 
number of graduating seniors admitted to San Diego State University 
shows a 76 percent increase since 1999, the year the Compact began.
  The Compact was named the most powerful student initiative in the 
nation this year by the American Association of School Administrators 
and earned a Magna Award from the American School Board Journal.
  I am proud of the accomplishments of the students participating in 
the Compact, and I urge support of their funding request.

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