The Collaboration is directed by the 78702 Community Steering Committee in their written long range plan to achieve these aims. It is funded by the City of Austin. The RAYS Alternative Education Program draws its clientele from students who have left AISD prematurely. The diploma is actually awarded through AISD's Reagan High School. Education exists in a very non-traditional supportive setting, including routine clinical support and crisis intervention, youth and family counseling, case management, enrichment, and community celebrations and outreach.
All services are free.
RAYS is demonstrating unexpected success with the young people whose lives they are able to impact. Indeed, most RAYS graduates are being transitioned into high education setting. Many report exceptional success. RAYS will celebrate its second graduation on May 22, 1996. The Keynote speakers will be State Representative Dawnna Dukes and AISD school trustee, Diana Castenada.