Bridging The Gap
Partnering with Citizen High School
VTEA and Citizen High School Combat High School Dropout Crisis
Military, Community, and Nationwide Impact
Vernon Taylor Enterprise Alliance (VTEA) and Citizen High School join forces to address the critical issue of high school dropouts, recognizing its profound impact not only on military recruitment but also on local communities and the nation at large. With approximately 1.98 million individuals leaving high school prematurely in 2020, the alliance seeks to provide meaningful solutions to the multifaceted challenges faced by high school dropouts.
The Varied Reasons Behind High School Dropouts:
Understanding the diverse reasons behind high school dropouts is crucial. Students exit the educational system for reasons beyond a lack of learning capability, ranging from economic pressures and early parenthood to sheer boredom. The adults who reevaluate their lives after several years post-high school often seek opportunities for a positive life change.
Impacts on Individuals and Society:
The consequences of high school dropouts extend far beyond individuals, impacting their lifetime earnings, health outcomes, and increasing the likelihood of incarceration. Research from the California Dropout Research Project emphasizes the economic and social ramifications of failing to complete high school, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.
Current State of Military Recruitment:
The challenges of high school dropouts reverberate into military recruitment, as highlighted by Army Secretary Christine Wormuth’s announcement of falling short of the goal of 65,000 new recruits. This shortfall is mirrored across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with thousands of recruits below their targets. This trend poses challenges as the Defense Department aims to grow its overall ranks by about 12,000.
Alternative Schooling and Local Data:
While alternative schooling options exist, many serve youth in at-risk situations as part of comprehensive dropout prevention programs. The dropout rate in Virginia’s public high schools, for example, indicates a need for innovative solutions, with 5.19% of the Class of 2022 dropping out, affecting more than 5,100 students.
Citizen High School: A Beacon of Hope:
Citizen High School, located in Fleming Island, FL, emerges as a key player in addressing high school dropout challenges. With a mission to provide a quality high school diploma through distance education, the school offers 100% online programs, faster completion, free laptops, and robust student support. The focus on essential life skills ensures a holistic education, empowering students for success in various aspects of life.
VTEA's Vision and Proposed Solution:
VTEA operates with a vision rooted in awareness, support, collaboration, and strategic partnerships. The alliance proposes a comprehensive solution, removing barriers to learning by providing a 24/7 accessible platform with open enrollment, at no cost to any legal individual, fostering an inclusive environment for all learners.
Goals and Collaboration:
VTEA outlines goals, including establishing a High School Completion Network Platform and engaging organizations sponsoring High School Completion Programs. Collaboration with local and federal agencies, educational initiatives, and economic development is pivotal for maximizing student outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, VTEA and Citizen High School’s collaboration aims to create a supportive ecosystem addressing high school completion challenges and positively impacting individuals, communities, and the nation. The alliance envisions an accessible, flexible, and affordable education for all, contributing to a positive transformation in society. Together, we can empower the future and bridge the gaps in education and opportunity.