Alternative High School Program Places Teen on the Path to Success

Not all teenagers make it through middle school and high school in time to graduate with their class. Sussex County resident Jacqueline Crane voluntarily signed herself out of school after becoming pregnant at a young age. After giving birth, she stayed home for over a year to care for her son. During that period, her family also moved to a new town, so when the time came to return to school, Jacqueline felt uncomfortable. Her mother referred her to Project Self-Sufficiency’s Skylands Alternative High School program instead.

Approximately 7% of high school students will drop out of school before reaching the 12th grade, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Students from low-income families are almost twice as likely (13.8%) to drop out of high school as their higher-income peers. There are many significant reasons teens drop out of high school before graduating, ranging from peer pressure to lack of parental support to failure to address special needs. A feeling of boredom or lack of engagement at school is another common problem. While the reasons for dropping out are varied, it is predictable that those without a high school diploma will fare worse economically than their peers. Without a diploma, they will have a difficult time finding meaningful work. High school drop outs will earn less, have poor health, live in poverty and have children at an early age, many of whom will also grow up to be high school drop outs, according to EduGuide, a non-profit organization that works with schools and other non-profit groups.

The free Skylands Alternative High School program at Project Self-Sufficiency is designed for teens and young adults who are no longer enrolled in school, or those who have graduated from high school but who may be struggling with literacy. The Skylands Alternative High School program helps guide participants through GED testing, job training, and placement at a work site, in college or the military. Once a participant is accepted into the program, they can expect to undergo a battery of assessment testing followed by help with attaining their GED, life skills training, pre-employment training, and other remedial education efforts. Childcare, lunch and limited transportation assistance is available to all participants. Upon completion of their education, participants will be placed in internships, followed by placement in paid employment, college or the military. Follow up support will be provided by Project Self-Sufficiency staff to ensure that the new employees are faring well in their new positions.

Now 16 years old, Jacqueline admits that at first she was nervous about trying out the Skylands Alternative High School program at Project Self-Sufficiency. However, she quickly adapted and is now thriving in the program, “I would recommend this program because it’s a great place and they teach you a lot of things besides schoolwork.” In addition to academics, the program helps participants to become ready for the workplace, through skills assessments, internships and instruction in business etiquette. “It’s definitely made me more self-confident. It’s taught me how to write a resume and a cover letter, and how to prepare for an interview.” Jacqueline now spends her days immersed in typical high school curriculum, like science, social studies and math. She has surprised herself with her aptitude for numbers. “When I was in school, it was really hard for me to understand math, but now the only thing I want to do is math!”

Eligibility guidelines for the Skylands Alternative High School program are strict. Participants must be local residents between the ages of 16 – 21, who fall below the federal poverty guidelines. Male participants are required to register with the Selective Service System in order to qualify.

Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children through the achievement of personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 20,000 families, including over 30,000 children.

For assistance in applying for the Skylands Alternative High School program, or to find out more about the other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.