'American Graduate Day' Addresses Dropout Issue The nation's school dropout problem is the subject of a day of public TV programming. Actors including Patrick Stewart and Brian Stokes Mitchell, Olympic medalist Shannon Miller and other celebrities and journalists will take part in "American Graduate Day 2013." It will air on public television stations on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. EDT (check local listings). Producers said the program will show how community groups provide support and help to at-risk students, families and schools, and how others nationwide can get involved. The national high school dropout rate is about 3 percent, according to the Education Department. It's double that or more in some states. "American Graduate Day 2013," produced by station WNET New York, will allow viewers to ask questions and share ideas online.