About the Stay-in-School Program

The Stay in School Program helps young people prepare for and succeed in education and employment. This is done through students’ participation in comprehensive case management services and Earn and Learn Experiences. In these intensive work-based experiences, work and learning are integrated in applied learning projects.

Earn and Learn Experiences occur both in the summer and the fall. In the summer work-based learning experiences, work and learning are integrated into applied learning project teams from a specific partner school. This way youth are learning and applying the academics and employment skills immediately on the job. Projects that start in the fall will have very similar formats, with the main difference being that the Earn and Learn Experience will be distributed across the school year. Students will be enrolled in a class that directly relates to their after-school work experience.

The Stay in School Program integrates youth development principles into its program by giving students positive activities in which to participate. Activities include challenge course activities, guest speakers, field trips, service learning, skill building activities, video discussions, and more. The activities are done in collaboration with project partners and are focused on helping youth learn leadership, study, and employment skills.

Teens who demonstrate successful work habits earn a ‘Ready to Work Certificate’ to present to potential employers. They also receive job search assistance.