Interacting with successful adults in the workplace gives students a vivid picture of many exciting career paths. High school students who never thought they could finish school suddenly have a reason to learn. Many are inspired to pursue advanced degrees. Programs like this ease the transition between school and work for all students, but especially for at-risk and economically disadvantaged students. And most importantly, they also gain responsibility, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.
Numbers tell part of the story.
Only 91 have dropped out - that's a retention rate of nearly 93 percent. And a total of 36 students have been promoted to part-time supervisors in the various locations where the programs operate. Next fall the numbers will be even larger. In Chicago, the program began in 1997 with 30 students. Now we have more than 200.