1 in 3 students are chronically absent from school (aka miss at least 10% of the school year). That’s double the number of chronically absent students since 2018.†
1 in 3 students are chronically absent from school (aka miss at least 10% of the school year). That’s double the number of chronically absent students since 2018.* One reason? A lack of access to clean clothes. That’s where Whirlpool comes in. They’re on a mission to end the cycle, one laundry machine at a time.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM: THE FACTS
The Department of Education has dubbed it “a hidden educational crisis.”
An estimated 6.5 million students across the US became chronically absent during the 2021-2022 school year.
1 in 5 students don’t have access to clean clothes, making them more likely to miss school.†
A student who is chronically absent any year between grades 8 and 12 is 7x more likely to drop out.‡
Chronic absenteeism has been linked to diminished health, involvement with the criminal justice system, and poverty.
HOW CARE COUNTS™ STARTED
Whirlpool founded the program in 2015, after a teacher asked the brand for help addressing her students' needs.
They’ve installed washers and dryers in more than 150 schools across 40 states.
🗓️ Increased Attendance
Nearly 80% of high-risk elementary school students who participated in the program increased their attendance by an average of 16 days.§
⬇️ Reduced Risk
Nearly 61% are no longer at risk of chronic absenteeism.§
📝 Future Goals
Expand Care Counts™ toall 50 states and double the number of participating schools by 2028.
PSST…
We’re working on a podcast miniseries with psychologist, author, and parent educator, Dr. Jazmine McCoy, about this very topic. The first ep drops Tuesday, Nov 7.
†Based on a survey conducted by phone within the United States by Braun Research from April 25–May 8, 2019 among 600 public school teachers (18 years or older)
