Press Room
ESD 112 receives state funding to help prevent student dropout
ESD 112 is one of 15 recipients of a $194,000 state grant entitled, "Building Bridges Dropout Prevention, Intervention and Retrieval." ESD 112 will partner with Clark County middle and high schools to develop a network to increase countywide collaboration for keeping students in school.
The two year grant seeks to promote partnerships among schools, families and communities to build a comprehensive dropout prevention, intervention and retrieval system. Targeted student populations to be identified include youth in foster care, the juvenile justice system, special education and youth who have dropped out of school.
According to ESD 112's Center for Career and Academic Advancement Coordinator Tim Foley, the ESD 112 network will include outreach to current dropouts to help them re-engage in school.
"This conversation needs to take place within our community," said Foley. "We have various efforts to address at risk youth in place across our county, yet we still have kids falling through the cracks. This program can help change that."
Research has shown the most effective strategies for helping dropouts and potential dropouts involve a coordinated effort among schools, families and communities. The Building Bridges grant will work to create:
- A system to identify students at risk of dropping out and offer timely solutions.
- Coaches or mentors for students.
- Staff responsible for coordinating supportive community efforts.
- Activities encouraging dropouts to return to school.
- Alternative educational programming that includes technical education, college preparatory programs and online learning opportunities.
Key partners include the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council, the Clark County Community Network, the Clark County Skills Center, and the Clark County Juvenile Justice Center. Grant partners will work together to align existing dropout prevention/intervention and retrieval programs and to enhance strengths while addressing gaps in current services.
 |
| Clark County Skill Center students put the finishing touches on a newly framed door. The Skill Center is a partner of the 'Building Bridges' grant program. |