Be a Part of the National University Tour. Featuring a Special Screening of The Lottery

What is The Lottery?
This powerful film documentary film, directed by Madeleine Sackler, brings to light issues at the top of today's educational reform agenda. In a country where 58% of African American 4th graders are functionally illiterate, The Lottery uncovers the failures of the traditional public school system and reveals that hundreds of thousands of parents attempt to flee the system every year. The Lottery follows four of these families from Harlem and the Bronx who have entered their children in a charter school lottery. Out of thousands of hopefuls, only a small minority will win the chance of a better future.

Why participate in this event?
This is an excellent opportunity to involve your students in the national discussion surrounding the achievement gap and educational reform.

What's included?
A screening of the film on your campus, followed by a brief slide presentation tailored to highlight the achievement gap in your state, and an extended Q&A session or panel discussion. Students will also receive a tangible list of ways to get involved by making a difference in the community.

Who will be presenting?
Dahlia Graham is a Teach for America alumna with a B.S. in Human Development from Binghamton University, and an M.A. in Teaching from Pace University. She has worked at both traditional and charter public schools in New York, including Harlem Success Academy, the school featured in the film.

How do I arrange a screening?
Contact Dahlia Graham at: dahlia@thelotteryfilm.com to discuss booking this event.

  • FACT #1 - The average black or latino 12th grader reads at the same level as the average white 8th grader
  • FACT #2 - 58% of black 4th graders are functionally illiterate.
  • FACT #3 - The achievement gap between low-income students & their higher-income peers costs the U.S. about $500 billion/year.
  • FACT #4 - About 50% of students in low-income communities will not graduate from high school by the time they are 18.
  • FACT #5 - 1 in every 8 black males between the ages of 25 to 29 is incarcerated.