ResourcesNine Dropouts Become Graduates through Innovative Collaboration
Print This Story
Nine APS students who previously dropped out of high school or who were at risk of dropping out are the first graduates of the Rebound Program.
The Rebound Program, which was created in September 2008 to help at-risk students, represents a partnership involving Aurora Public Schools, the Colorado Coalition of Faith, Community College of Aurora, Colorado Youth for a Change, and Ombudsman Educational Services.
“The Rebound Program is helping Aurora Public Schools achieve its goal to graduate every student with the ability to attend college,” said Aurora Public Schools Superintendent John Barry. “This graduation is a success story about how students can persist, earn their degrees and achieve their goals.”
In addition to academics, the program provides support to students through behavior intervention, social skills training and life management skills. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in the Community College of Aurora to earn college credits while they complete their high school courses.
Rebound provides personalized instruction in a technology-rich environment that enables students to progress at their own pace. A condensed school day which is shorter than a traditional day accommodates students’ family and work responsibilities.
Three graduating students spoke at the ceremony, including Laura Ramos, who dropped out of school when she became pregnant.
“I wanted to get my degree so I could provide a better life for my daughter. I thought getting a GED was my only option, but Rebound helped me earn my high school diploma,” Ramos said.
Congratulations to Rebound’s first graduates:
- Mauro Cortez
- Aaron Faulkner
- DeVan Jumper-Garry
- Maribel Mendez
- Martha Pineda
- Laura Ramos
- Raydon Randolph
- Jose Rodriguez
- Brittanie Wycoff
Print This Story
