Book excerpt: In Mobilizing the Community to Help Students Succeed, Hugh B. Price shares the lessons learned while helping to do just that during his tenure as president of the National Urban League. Here, find out how educators can apply some of the same tactics to inspire and award academic achievement in even the most challenged school districts. Using real-life examples and shared wisdom from successful educators and community organizers coast to coast, Price describes ways to * Create initiatives such as community-based honor societies, parades, and rallies to motivate students and reward achievement; * Include parents in motivational efforts to rekindle students' natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning; * Enlist the support of businesses and other community partners for both financial support and volunteer help; * Maximize use of the media to publicize student accomplishments; and * Set up programs that honor student achievement year-round. According to Price, a highly informed and engaged community is essential to closing the achievement gap. This book underscores that community-based efforts to motivate student success can be effective because they have been effective. The message for educators, parents, business and civic leaders, and members of the general public is that their consistent and creative involvement will result in invigorated youngsters, inspired to achieve in school and in life.