NAEP Data Shows Widening Achievement Gaps. How Brave Enough To Fail is Inspiring Students Post-Pandemic

Recent results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) make it clear: American schools are experiencing a widening gap between high- and low-performing students, a trend that accelerated dramatically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to NAEP’s latest report card, student performance in vital subjects like reading, math, and science has declined since 2019. Alarmingly, the drop is most pronounced among students in the bottom 25%—with the gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students now larger than ever. One-third of 8th graders read below a “basic” level, and students of color and from low-income homes are, once again, disproportionately affected.

This situation makes it even more essential to find effective strategies to help all students bridge these gaps and thrive.

Brave Enough To Fail: A Beacon of Hope

In times like these, the right kind of support can make all the difference. Brave Enough To Fail—America’s #1 student motivational program—offers more than lectures and worksheets.

Through inspirational presentations, scholarships, and its signature BOSS Academy curriculum, it gives young people the tools and support needed to reengage and reconnect with their education and envision their future. The BOSS Academy teaches students to embrace big dreams, step outside their comfort zones, develop a strategy for success, and persevere.

Success Story: Sean Parkinson

There is no better testament to the power of this program than our scholars’ stories. Sean Parkinson, a Danbury High School graduate, first connected with Brave Enough To Fail as a student, where he unlocked new confidence and was inspired to pursue his dreams. With the guidance and resources from BOSS Academy and Brave Enough To Fail, Sean kept his focus, worked hard, and ultimately graduated from the University of Connecticut.

Join Us and Inspire Students

Brave Enough To Fail and BOSS Academy depend on individual donors and visionary corporate sponsors to reach even more young people. Every dollar helps fuel motivational programming, scholarships, and transformative educational experiences for those who need it most. If increasing achievement and empowering the next generation of leaders resonates, please consider making a gift or sponsoring a student today.

For Educators and Youth Organizations

The next step begins with a conversation. Educators in middle and high schools, youth agencies, and youth-serving organizations—partner with Brave Enough To Fail and BOSS Academy to bring this powerful program to your students. Give them the tools, inspiration, and hope they need to close the gap and take charge of their education.

Contact Us

Request Brave Enough To Fail and BOSS Academy for your school or organization and help empower students to dream big, work hard, and succeed in school and beyond.

Let’s work together to empower students like Sean Parkinson to fulfill their potential. Join us in this vital initiative—through donations, sponsorships, or by bringing our programs to your schools and organizations. Together, we can transform setbacks into comebacks and give EVERY student a compelling reason to re-engage and achieve.

www.BraveEnoughToFail.org