Drop-Out Prevention Program
Chatham County Together has been awarded a contract with Chatham County Schools to implement a Drop-Out Prevention Initiative for high school students. Under this contract, which runs through the end of June, 2011, thirty students will receive a variety of services to keep them on track and in school. Chatham County Schools Student Services Director, George Greger-Holt, has noted that some students at highest risk of quitting school,
- have exceeded the number of unexcused absences and need additional help in finding ways to make up their time
- are frustrated under the current learning model and attempt to get their G.E.D. through the community college
- may already be one or more years behind and may feel out of place because of their age, plus, under North Carolina law, they can legally quit school at age sixteen.
Studies show that education is the most important key to future employment and financial success, and CCT! will help students learn to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. Existing programs like technical training, work experience, and distance learning give young adults career exploration alternatives that can't be found in the classroom, and they earn credit towards graduation.
Chatham County Together!'s Tracy Lynn, Drop Out Prevention Specialist and former CCT! Governor's One-on-One Volunteer Coordinator will work with high school Student Assistance Coordinators, social workers and guidance counselors to identify students' best pathway to success.
Since 1989 CCT! has worked to keep youth engaged by matching students with mentors who can give them one-on- one attention, pairing them with tutors to help them in their most challenging subjects, and connecting kids to the community that they live in.
