High School Graduation

 The Challenge

• Less than 71% of Forsyth County’s 9th graders graduate from high school in four years.
• Forsyth ranks 3rd in graduation rates among the states five most populous counties, diminishing our economic competitiveness.¹
• Dropouts earn 32% less than high school graduates. They are more likely to live below the poverty line, serve time in jail, live shorter lives, and receive government assistance.²

¹North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
²High School Dropouts: Individual Economic Cost and The Role of the GED as a Potential Factor, Magnus Lofstrom, University of Texas at Dallas, The Social Costs of Inadequate Education, Henry M. Levin, Columbia University.

United Way's Response

• Established improving the high school graduation rate as our top priority.
• Created a comprehensive pilot initiative in early 2008 to increase tutoring, family involvement, counseling, mentoring, graduation coaching for students at-risk of dropping out. 
• Targeted the pilot program for Parkland Magnet High School (lowest graduation rate in system) and Philo Magnet Academy, Parkland’s largest feeder school.

The Results

• Number of 9th graders at Parkland failing 9th grade has dropped from 136 (2007) to 82 (2009), a 40% decrease. (Students failing 9th grade show a greatly increased likelihood of dropping out of high school in the future.)
• Number of dropouts from all grades at Parkland has dropped from 151 (2007) to 111 (2008), an 11% decrease. (2009 statistics will be available in February 2010.)
• Number of students passing End of Course (EOG) tests at Parkland has improved by 23% (2007-2009).
• Number of 6th graders at Philo Magnet Academy passing EOG tests in reading has improved by 151% (2008-2009). The number passing EOG tests in math improved by 87%.

• Number of all Philo students passing EOG reading and math tests has improved by 69% and 67%, respectively.

Led by YMCA of Northwest North Carolina in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Family Services, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Success stories:

Strengthening Families/Rita Scott

The Challenge

Over 29 percent of Forsyth County high school students fail to graduate in four years. This ranks third among North Carolina’s five largest metros.¹

¹ North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

United Way's Goal

Increase the high school graduation rate by ensuring that 9th graders complete high school within four years. In doing so, we create better opportunities for success in life for our young people, and enhance the economic competitiveness of Forsyth County.

The Results

• Ninety percent of approximately 1,000 parents receiving parent education services increased their confidence and skills in assisting in their child’s development.
• Ninety-two percent or 72 of 76 rising kindergarteners were rated ready for school. Most were from economically and educationally challenged families.
• More than 475 youth facing potential criminal prosecution for first-time offenses or truancy avoided court through the use of mediation and alternative court programs. Most of these youth demonstrated increased classroom involvement, attendance, and grade improvement following their participation in these court-alternative programs.
• Of the more than 2,700 youth served in programs to enhance academic performance and improve attitudes towards school over 75% achieved an improvement in their grades and behavior.
   

United Way’s Partners

Big Brothers Big Sisters; Catholic Social Services; Crosby Scholars Community Partnership, Imprints for Families, Mediation Services; Old Hickory Council, Boy Scouts of America; The Salvation Army; Tarheel Triad Girl Scouts; YMCA of Northwest North Carolina; and YWCA of Greater Winston-Salem.