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 487 of them earn their diplomas. Out of the students served, 308 received 811 intensive supports.

The Back on Track program has been made possible by grants from AT&T. The grants have enabled us to increase the capacity of the ASD classroom at Covenant House Alaska by adding evening classes to accommodate more youth and by providing intensive student support through connection to housing, food, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and much more.

Read more about our graduates and see our latest news story!

 

 

 

 

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