Today, I opened the Gazette, Sept. 14, and as a past member of the D-11 board, I was excited to see “Colorado Springs D-11 expands scholarship program,” a program that was already had a positive impact at Mitchell High School, one of the lowest performing high schools in Colorado.

I was especially pleased to see private investors coupled with public funds, take a combined positive interest in District 11 education. As an urban school District 11, it has an unacceptable dropout rate. Most informed readers know high school dropouts typically drop into lifelong poverty and often become permanent wards of the local government. Kudos to new superintendent Michael Gaal, and the D-11 board of directors under the leadership of board president Parth Melpakam for their combined positive innovative futuristic leadership.

No doubt via the Promised Scholarship Program, an earned program, requiring students to attain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and meet certain other required criteria will lead to more young people being employed locally, thus being able to become homeowners and significant contributors to our local community. Many of the two-year programs offered at Pike Peak State College will allow a two-year associate degree graduate to enter the work force with starting salaries of $75,000 per year or more.

I was especially pleased to see, this something to be earned, this not an entitlement program. Again, kudos to Colorado Springs School District 11 board who are elected uncompensated officials.

Willie Breazell Colorado Springs