Think to when you were in high school and the stress you felt, both academically and socially. Now imagine if you didn’t know where your next meal was coming from or if you would have a roof over your head, on top of the existing stresses of high school. It’s easy to see how education may take a backseat for students in these life circumstances. United Way is working to remove those added obstacles so homeless and at-risk youth can focus on their education.

The Back on Track program makes it possible for homeless and at-risk high school students to recover missing or unearned credits on a schedule tailored to their needs. Additionally, students are connected to community resources that fill the gaps for necessities such as assistance with food and housing, access to medical and vision care, obtaining IDs and birth certificates and much more. These ‘wraparound’ services are a key part of Back on Track and oftentimes make the difference between students receiving diplomas or discontinuing school.

Since launching in the 2016-17 school year, the program has served 1,014 high school students at risk of dropping out and helped 516 of them earn their diplomas. Out of the students served, 317 received 900 intensive supports.

The Back on Track program has been made possible by funding from AT&T, Rasmuson Foundation, BP, Municipality of Anchorage, Anchorage School District, Covenant House Alaska, The Annie E. Casey Foundation (through Covenant House Alaska), United Way of Anchorage, and private donations. Funding is still needed to continue to operate Back on Track at its current capacity for the 2021-22 school year.

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Thank you to our donors!