Center helps drop-outs and those at risk of dropping out of
school; 63 students already enrolled
Gilroy – Five months ago Jessica Avelar decided to end her high school career. The 17-year-old had fallen so far behind she figured dropping out was the only viable option.
“I couldn’t handle it no more,” she said.
So, the Gilroy High School junior quit school. She married her 19-year-old boyfriend, who also didn’t earn his diploma, and began looking for a job.
But it didn’t take long for her to realize, without a high school degree, there’s little available in terms of career options.
That’s when she heard about AdvancePath Academics, Inc. The San Francisco-based business, which helps drop-outs or students at-risk of dropping out, established a center on the GHS campus in early May.
Although the business operates out of a portable on the campus, AdvancePath is not associated with Gilroy High and instead is a partner with the Gilroy Unified School District.
Representatives from AdvancePath staged a presentation during a December board meeting. The program was later approved by the board. Their initial proposal was to set up shop at Mt. Madonna High School. But the district went with Gilroy high, instead of the continuation school, when the counseling department moved into the new student center and space became available.
The trailer that housed the counseling department was moved and replaced by a new portable, specifically for AdvancePath. Avelar’s mother heard about the program through Gilroy high and the 17-year-old signed up.
Avelar likes the individual attention she receives and the fact that she can move at her own pace. At GHS she fell behind because, too timid to ask questions in front of other students, she didn’t excel in large classes with one teacher.
Now, she’s excited about school and plans to become a Realtor or own her own small business.
“I was really happy about getting a second opportunity to go to school because I know you can’t do nothing without a high school diploma,” Avelar said.
Since its grand opening May 3, 63 students have already signed up for one of the two four-hour sessions. Students can choose to attend the 8am to 12pm or 12:45 to 4:45pm session.
During class, the teens spend about an hour and a half doing work online and then gather in small groups. They also meet individually with teachers and spend summers and sometimes weekends.
Those who complete the program will earn a diploma from Gilroy High School. GUSD loses between five to six students per week, which translates to a loss of 200 students per year, according to AdvancePath.
“Students are here because they’re getting a new start,” said Jacquelyn Richburg, a teacher. “The program is (successful) because we’re taking the time to sit down and focus on the individual.”
GUSD Board President Pat Midtgaard supported the implementation of AdvancePath because “I think it can help us in our drop-out recovery efforts.”
She’s impressed at how personalized it is and thinks it’s appealing to the teens because of the flexible sessions. Since many of the students who have dropped out work or have children, allowing them to choose morning or afternoon classes and the fact that it’s year-round is a big plus, she said.
When students sign up they’re immediately assessed, so teachers know where they need extra help. The educators help prepare them for the California High School Exit Exam.
Also, the program helps the district fiscally, since they receive Average Daily Attendance funds for every student.
