Internet research tells me that black kids finish high school 17 percentage points behind white kids. 

The high school diploma is an important step to successful adult life. 

I suggest a graduated minimum wage. 

The scale, whatever the minimum wage might be: 

1. Dropouts, under the age, of 25 make wage ‘A’  (example, $9.00)

2. Minors in school, make wage ‘B”, $.50 above ‘A’, because they are staying in school. ($9.50)

3. 25 Year-old dropouts also make wage ‘B’, simply for the sake of adult human dignity. ($9.50)

4. High school graduates make Wage ‘C’, $1 over wage ‘B’, and $1.50 over wage ‘A’.  (10.50)

5. No extra for 25 year-old high school graduates. It has to stop somewhere, and merit-based pay needs to kick in. ($10.50)

Why does the adult wage not engage until age 25? 

Because 25 seems a lifetime away to a 16 year-old thinking about dropping out, and Wage ‘B’ will help keep these vulnerable kids in school. 

It might be that a dropout can earn Wage B, if they re-enroll in school and have two quarters of passing grades and acceptable attendance.

Eric J. Rose