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Date: 11/20/2015
HOLYOKE – A program that gives those without a high school degree a second chance at a diploma is expanding.
The Pathways for Success Program was previously a credit recovery program through the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club. Now students will be able to take courses online at either the club or at Dean Technical Vocational High School. They will also have the ability to take an eight-week accelerated classes led by a classroom teacher.
Director of Student Services Gina Roy explained, “We are extremely excited to be able to offer more learning opportunities for students who have made the commitment to reengage with our schools. The creation of individualized plans for students provides them with the support and guidance they will need to successfully achieve their goals. This program will definitely create brighter futures for the youth of Holyoke.”
The program is for people who have dropped out recently and are less than 22 years of age; students who are over-aged and under credited; individuals who need to complete credits for a high school diploma or certificate of attainment; teenage mothers/students that have been placed in unavoidable circumstances, but still want to receive their diploma/certificate of attainment; and students who have dropped out and want to earn credits to reenter Holyoke Public Schools.
Roy told Reminder Publications, “Approximately 40 students will be participating in our first eight-week session. We will have three eight-week sessions by the end of the academic school year. Some of these students were part of the original Pathways Program, some were dropouts that we re-engaged, and some are students that will be participating in some of the classes to catch up with their grade cohort.”
Roy added, “We received $20,000 from an expansion grant through Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We have another grant that we are using to fund the additional staffing required for this program.”
There is additional information about the program at www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/drop_out_prevention.htm. For questions about eligibility and enrollment, contact Pathways Program Coordinator Frederick Andujar at fandujar@hps.holyoke.ma.us.