She is studying accelerated math, honors English, honors chemistry, honors economics and she's in robotics, where she is vice president of the team.

CNN: Student's success defies all odds

For Maria, that meant writing up a proposal for an accelerated math class, roping in 31 other students to take part, and then literally begging the principal to find the funding.

CNN: Student's success defies all odds

And that's why we'll invest in accelerated instruction in reading and math to help students who've fallen behind make up credits and ultimately graduate on time.

WHITEHOUSE: Helping America Become a ��Grad Nation��