Learning to Finish Program Targets At-Risk Students

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A pilot program called "Learning to Finish" will target at-risk students in six Duval County schools to hopefully help more of them stay in school.

Currently, one in three freshmen takes longer than four years to graduate from high school, with many opting to drop out, a majority of those after only two years.

The Community Foundation in Jacksonville is helping fund the pilot program after being involved in researching the problem. To see the full report, CLICK HERE.

The pilot program has identified 1,600 sixth and ninth graders in six schools who are considered at-risk.

The program involves using current dropout programs already in place, plus fine tuning them to meet the particular needs of the six schools.

Terry Parker High is one of the high schools selected to be part of Learning to Finish.

Principal Addison Davis is excited at the prospect of giving 50-75 students extra attention, which includes a heavy emphasis on mentoring.

"They want to feel that somebody cares about them," said Davis, who is beginning his first year at Terry Parker High.

Trey Csar, President of the Jacksonville Public Education Foundation, is excited about chance to help make a difference.

"Building positive relationships between them (students) and staff," he says, is a key in giving at-risk students direction.

Two high schools, Terry Parker and Forrest, are part of the Learning to Finish program. The four middle schools that will participate are J.E.B Stuart, Jefferson Davis, Arlington Middle and Fort Caroline.

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