Despite the dropout prevention programs for secondary students already in place in the public school system, more is needed to help students become aware of the consequences disastrous consequences of dropping out of school. A study by the New York Department of Education indicates that “more than 20,000 students drop out of high school each year.” It also states: “Most of them are black and Hispanic. Another study was conducted in 2006 and concluded that approximately 19 percent of Hispanic students and 15 percent of black students dropped out, and only 8 percent of Asians and 9 percent of whites also dropped out. With careful planning and consideration of the taxpayer and at-risk students, the United States can implement programs that effectively integrate parents and teachers. Curriculum could include: required after-school programs, tutoring/mentoring, and community activities, all of which can help change students' outlook on their future. Students and their families are the most affected by dropout prevention programs. High school graduates have a greater sense of accomplishment and possess a greater set of skills needed to succeed in this faltering economy. Kimberly Knestings said in “Students at Risk of Dropping Out of School: Supporting Their Persistence”: “If students do not believe they benefit from earning a degree and if they do not accept responsibility for their work and follow school rules, then their attempts Persistence is unlikely to succeed. Additionally, society is positively influenced by more high school graduates. Since graduates earn more, they are less likely to commit crimes for money and also do not need to rely on public assistance. Financing welfare programs and unemployment programs can...... middle of paper...... Premier Search. Internet. August 28, 2013.6. Knesting, Kimberly. “Students at risk of dropping out of school: supporting their perseverance. » Preventing academic failure 52.4 (2008): 3-10. ERIC. Internet. August 30, 2013.7. Padrón, Eduardo J. “The test of our times”. Hispanic 20.4 (2007): 18. MAS Ultra - School edition. Internet. October 2, 2013.8. Somers, Cheryl L. Owens, Delila Piliawsky, Monte. “A study on school dropout prevention and the role models and motivations of at-risk ninth graders for school completion.” Education 130.2 (2009): 348. MasterFILE Premier. Internet. August 30, 2013.9. Suhyun, Suh, Suh Jingyo and Irene Houston. “Predictors of At-Risk Categorical High School Dropouts.” Journal of Consulting and Development 85.2 (2007): 196-203. Premier Academic Research. Internet. August 30, 2013.10. Viadero, Debra. “The school dropout dilemma.” Education Week 20.21 (2001): 26. MasterFILE Premier. Internet. October 1. 2010