GAINS Program (Graduation Assistance Impacting the Needs of Students)

GAINS Program

Program Name: Graduation Assistance Impacting the Needs of Students (GAINS)

Overview: A partnership between Ballard High School and the Ballard High School Foundation designed to help at-risk students graduate on time and prepare for success in college and career.

Background:

Established in 2012 in response to an 89% four-year graduation rate at Ballard High School (meaning 11% of students did not graduate on time, approximately 200 students at risk)

After four years of the program, Ballard's four-year graduation rate increased to 92%

Purpose: Address the fact that students who drop out of high school face lower lifetime earnings, higher risk of poverty, and higher risk of incarceration. High school success is a strong predictor of future life success and a prerequisite for college and career.

Goals:

Increase four-year graduation rate from 89% to 94%

Increase percentage of repeat 9th graders earning at least five credits from 27% to 50%

Increase number of graduates enrolling in higher education from 65% to 70%

Program Components:

Identify incoming freshmen and existing Ballard students at risk for delayed graduation or dropping out due to grades, absenteeism, or disciplinary issues

Refer students to existing resources for tutoring, credit retrieval, or social services support

Provide mentoring with individualized support and ongoing monitoring of grades, attendance, and behavior

Improve self-esteem of struggling students

Acknowledge student success in improving grades, attendance, behavior, and progress toward graduation

Eligibility: Ballard High School students identified as at-risk for delayed graduation or dropping out

Program Costs (annual):

$50,000 for a Success Coordinator

$5,000 for student acknowledgement

$5,000 for program costs (credit retrieval, supplies, etc.)

Total: Up to $60,000 per year

Funding Partners: Local businesses, non-profit service providers, major donors, alumni, grants, Ballard High School Administration, BHS PTSA, BHS Foundation, and in-kind donors

Geographic Scope: Ballard High School, Seattle WA

Contact: Ballard High School Foundation, info@ballardhighschoolfoundation.org