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FORMER DROPOUTS OVERCOME OBSTACLES

For thousands of teen-agers each year, high-school graduation is the definitive rite of passage — the first step toward achievement and independence. But for the thousands of students who receive diplomas, there are also those who never make it. While students drop out of school for a variety of reasons, the impact is the same — they leave school without skills that will be key to their future success. Three local students however, , and , are beating the odds as they re turn to earn their high-school diplomas this week from the Adult and Community Education program.

STUDENT #1 dropped out of school on the first day of 11th grade. After moving from school to school, which made adjusting difficult, and having a hard time finding transpor tation to her high school, she decided it was easier to quit.

After dropping out, STUDENT #2 worked at a variety of businesses, including a con struction company, fast food restaurant, smoke shop and a grocery store. Tired of working minimum wage jobs — the only kind usually available to high-school dropouts – she de cided to go back to school, with her husband, to earn their high-school diplomas. "My husband and I wanted to make a better life for our son," said STUDENT #2. "We knew we couldn't do that without a diploma."

The couple has fulfilled their dream. They'll be joined by more than 50 other students in the auditorium on DATE as they receive their diplomas at the Adult and Community Education graduation ceremony.

Adult and Community Education
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STUDENT #1 has made his mother very happy. STUDENT #1 will be receiving his high- school diploma this week after dropping out of school in YEAR, just six credits shy of graduating from High School. "I hung out with the wrong crowd," said STUDENT #1. "Some of my teachers were negative toward me, which made staying in school very difficult." After working minimum wage jobs for a few years, STUDENT #1 knew he had to get his diploma if he wanted a better job, and eventually, to attend college.

After seeing a sign on a city bus about Adult and Community Education's free Adult High School Credit program, he decided it was time to go back. After a year-and-a-half of working at his own pace, STUDENT #3, now AGE, will be a high-school graduate. "I think Adult and Community Education is a great alternative for students, whether they dropped out or are just having problems learning in the traditional high school environment," STUDENT #3 said. He plans to enter the Army in the Fall and says he would like to be a chef or an electrician.

Adult and Community Education (ACE) is the primary provider of adult education classes held in the , offering a variety of educational services to the community such as GED Preparation and Testing, Adult Basic Education (literacy), English for Speakers of Other Languages, Kids 1st, Senior Adult Learner, Childbirth Education and Adult Education for Adults with Disabilities.

For more information or to register for an Adult and Community Education program, call , extension .

(NOTE TO EDITOR: For more information about ACE programs or to set up a personal interview with an ACE faculty member or student, please contact at - )