GAINS Program (Graduation Assistance Impacting the Needs of Students)

GAINS Program

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

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