The dropout rate in America is on the rise, and in tough economic times students who don't complete their high school education are often not able to easily find work.

Communications company AT&T is sending a clear message about the need to promote high school completion with its recent $1 million donation to America's Promise Alliance. The funds will be put toward the Alliance's "My Idea" program for Grad Nation. The new program is the next phase of the Alliance's Dropout Prevention Campaign.

"My Idea" offers an innovative approach to reducing dropout rates as it gives students the opportunity to implement their own strategies for increasing graduation rates. Charlene Lake, senior vice president of public affairs for AT&T, says the company supports this program because "no one knows better than [students] do what will keep them in school and motivated."

America's Promise Alliance partners with organizations across the nation to advocate high school graduation. Education organization leaders looking to boost their nonprofit fundraising efforts might partner with the Alliance to increase access to funds.

Moreover, nonprofits across the country may consider allocating some funds toward education reform - President Barack Obama has declared the current U.S. high school dropout rate a national crisis.