Hardin County, KY – Schools hosted the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) and the United States Army in the national launch of a new pilot program aimed at developing leadership and academic skills for middle school and high school students. The county joins five other school districts, including Christian County, KY; Miami-Dade, FL; Gwinnett County, GA; and Garden City, KS. The program will support hundreds of students across these communities.

The program, Project Partnership for All Students’ Success (PASS), offers elective Junior Leadership Corps (JLC) courses, after-school activities and a JROTC program to develop character and leadership with the goal of keeping students in school and improving their chances for a successful life. Project PASS was established through a partnership between the U.S. Army and NASBE, which represents America’s state and territorial boards of education.

“Ensuring the success of each student is our top priority,” said Ms. Nannette Johnston, Superintendent of Hardin County Schools. “We welcome the support of the U.S. Army, NASBE and Project PASS as we work to help students achieve their goals both in school and in life.”

North Middle School in Radcliffe, KY, will host the national launch event, which will take place on March 11, 2011. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, General George W. Casey, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and Brenda Welburn, Executive Director, NASBE, will give remarks about the PASS initiative.

A recent NASBE report, Common Ground: Education and the Military, Meeting the Needs of Students, found that educators who apply military style education programs for students, develop and sustain community partnerships for the benefit of students, and implement leadership training programs such as Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) impact student achievement. Project PASS will use military-influenced leadership curriculum to help students develop strength of character, self confidence and academic discipline to supplement their academic training.

According to America’s Promise Alliance, schools face a myriad of challenges nationwide, including combating a high drop-out rate that includes 1.2 million students each year. Additionally, schools struggle to create an environment that fosters leadership, accountability and academic achievement. NASBE and the U.S. Army believe Project PASS’ unique blend of community support, a continuum of curriculum—middle school through high school— and leadership opportunities will go far towards meeting these challenges and ultimately help students reach their potential.

“NASBE and the U.S. Army have a shared commitment to decreasing drop-out rates,” said Brenda Welburn, Executive Director of NASBE. “Project PASS will help young people develop key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, discipline, teamwork and integrity, making them more likely to stay in school.”

The Army has long dedicated itself to education, sponsoring a wide range of programs for America’s youth, such as The Boost Campaign and “Operation Graduation,” both of which motivate high school students to stay in school until graduation.

“The U.S. Army and America need young people who are ready to succeed. As one of the largest employers in America, the Army understands the importance of having a well-educated workforce, so we are pleased to partner with NASBE as well as the students and families of Hardin County for the launch of Project PASS. The U.S. Army stands ready to work with communities and students around the country to help all young people succeed,” said Gen. George Casey, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.