Out of school youth is the term typically used to identify students who drop out of middle or high school before earning a diploma. In WNY and across NYS, kids who choose this path face a stark reality: They have limited options for continuing their education and are at risk of living in poverty and/or engaging in criminal behavior.
Ten years ago, the Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division created an educational program to specifically serve this population and provide them an opportunity for success. The Career Collegiate Institute (CCI), which operates in collaboration with Erie Community College, is designed for out-of-school youth between the ages of 17 and 21 who, for a variety of reasons, are in need of an alternative to traditional high school.
Many of CCI’s students are burdened by difficult personal problems which may have led to their decision to leave school in the first place. Some live in households where making ends meet is a challenge and they have to work in order for the family to survive. Some are homeless. Some have children of their own.
CCI provides this population with classroom instruction for earning a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma and then moving into post-secondary education or a career. Moreover, these students are supported with mentoring, counseling and special education services. For those whose goal is to enroll in college, CCI provides opportunities for academic credentialing that prepares students for the rigors of entrance exams. In addition, CCI’s focus on career exploration offers students internships and shadowing experiences in business sectors offering local job opportunities.
To broaden CCI’s ability to positively impact their students’ well-being, the Adult Education Division invited a select group of community and business leaders, such as John Krytus, Owner of Construction Personnel Group, Inc., and formed the Business & Community Partners Committee. The group meets regularly with administrators, instructors and students in an effort to share knowledge and resources as well as build on awareness of the variety of career possibilities in the WNY area.
Many of CCI’s students do not have positive role models who can advise them on the importance of education and the complexities of getting and keeping a good job. Krytus has been instrumental in establishing an environment where students can interact with adults who are willing to provide support for learning life skills and direction on navigating the world of work.
At a recent committee meeting for example, discussion focused on the question of work ethic. For employers such as Krytus, job candidates need to make a positive first impression and then back it up by being on time for work, accepting responsibility, knowing how to work as a team member and exhibiting good communication skills if they are hired.
Krytus has been direct in his approach to students because he knows first-hand how the workplace functions. He challenges students to be serious about making a good impression at all times. And he urges them to look to the Business & Community Partners Committee as role models for dressing and behaving appropriately.
Looking forward, CCI will build on its success: In the 2012-2013 school year, CCI had a retention rate of 78% of the total number of students who enrolled. This is a remarkable achievement when considering that CCI students typically enter the program while dealing with many challenges including low reading levels. It’s an indication of what can be accomplished when students have the necessary support system in which to thrive.
Les Leopold Director of Adult & Continuing Education BPS Adult Education Division lleopold@buffaloschools.org (716) 888-7088 ext 119