United Way and Exelon launched the Stay in School Initiative in 2004, to serve students across 10 schools with enhanced after-school programs. At that time, statistics showed the citywide dropout rate had reached critical levels, especially for young males: 61% for African-American males and 49% for Latino males. The Stay in School Initiative has served more than 5,000 students, ages 10-20, since its inception. During this school year, another 2,000 students will be served.
The Stay in School Initiative is focused on spurring graduation rates and stemming truancy in three Chicago communities with some of the highest dropout rates in the city. According to Chicago Public School (CPS) statistics, students in the Austin, Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard and Humboldt Park/West Town communities have among the highest dropout rates in the city – well above the CPS average of 41%. Students who participated in the Stay in School Initiative last year had a 93% graduation rate, well above the 55% average in Chicago Public Schools.
In addition to yielding higher graduation rates, the Stay in School Initiative improves students’ grades, attendance rates and pro-social behaviors. This year’s report card findings reinforce that at-risk students can achieve academic success with the right mix of attention and activities. The report card captures data from 369 students who participated most intensively in Stay in School programs and services.
- 93% of Stay in School seniors graduated from high school or obtained a GED. Compared to the CPS graduation rate of 55.1% in 2007.
- 86% of Stay in School students were promoted to the next grade level. In 2006 only 59% of CPS freshmen were on track for graduation.
- 67% of Stay in School students improved at least one grade in core courses, such as math, science and English. Almost all students with a B average or better at the end of their freshman year graduate, compared to only a quarter of those with a D average. (What Matters for Staying On-Track and Graduating in Chicago Public Schools 2007)
- 75% of Stay in School students had at least a 90% school attendance rate. Attendance is a major challenge for schools in these communities, with schools experiencing average daily attendance rates as low as 68%.
- 71% of Stay in School students increased their pro-social behaviors, such as participation in out-of-school and leadership activities, involvement in the community and non-violent conflict resolution.
The partnership has created a holistic menu of after-school programming that includes tutoring, college readiness, life skills and violence-prevention workshops, parent and family activities, and a reward-and-recognition program for achieving students. Exelon also created a companion job skills development workshop series that provides up to eight paid internships each year.
Since 2004, Exelon has contributed $1.35 million to United Way to fund the Stay in School Initiative, including a 15% increase in annual funding to expand the program in this academic year.
