The goal of the Stay-In-School Initiative is to encourage all students to successfully complete the requirements for graduation from high school.

Leaving school before graduation limits opportunities for those who drop out and places a burden on the community with significant social and economic costs. We recognize that dropping out of school has many contributing causes and that a coordinated, comprehensive strategy involving a variety of proven approaches will motivate students to stay in school.

The Stay-In-School Initiative draws on the diverse resources of our community to bring together educators, parents, academicians, businesses, community leaders and volunteers in support of a program that is tailored to the individual needs of at-risk students.

The Stay In School Initiative is a collaborative partnership of the Fort Worth Chamber, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber, the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber and the Fort Worth ISD.

The Connected Classroom video

Opportunities for Business Partners

1. Partner with a school.
   ADOPT-A-SCHOOL provides volunteers and resources that will 1) enrich the academic or cultural experiences of students, and/or 2) help students understand the value of staying in school until graduation. Business and school partners create a plan for the year and commit it to a calendar.
   Time commitment: Flexible.
   
   
2. Motivate Students.
   VITAL LINK allows groups of seventh-grade students to work half-days for a week in your firm, business or agency so that they can see how what they are learning in the classroom is directly related to success in the workplace. FWISD provides on site supervision and transportation for student participants.
   Time commitment: Half-days for one week.
   
   
3. Teach Free Enterprise to Students.
   JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT volunteers teach K-12 students the basics of business, economics and free enterprise using a curriculum that promotes interaction between the business volunteer and the students. Volunteers also relate the economic benefits of staying in school.
   Time commitment: One hour per week for 5-8 weeks.
   
   
4. Become a Mentor.
   School districts and community organizations pair adult volunteers with children to increase student self esteem and motivation, and to improve attendance, behavior and academic achievement. Volunteers meet with individual students or small groups.
   Time commitment: Flexible, one-year commitment. Training and support are provided.
   List of mentoring / youth services

Contact:
Cynthia Fisher Miller
Workforce Development
817-338-3360