High school dropout effort is yielding results, say officials

Becoming a parent at a young age doesn’t necessarily mean dropping out of high school, and the Tempe Union High School District’s Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program appears to be proving the point.
In fact, say representatives of the district’s non profit Educational Foundation, 933 students were prevented from dropping out or have returned to school in the past five years to earn their high school diploma as a result of the program.
However, despite contributions from Tempe Diablos and other community businesses and organizations when the program’s funds were cut in June, an effort has been launched to seek additional support. It’s vital, say district officials, to keep services and educational opportunities available to the 140 students currently enrolled.
The program, based at Compadre Academy, offers young parents and parents-to-be, both male and female, a supportive and safe environment.
Students may take pregnancy or parenting classes for elective credits and learn how to care for their babies. They may also check on their babies between classes when the children are in the onsite childcare.
For information about contributing, email Dianne Welling, coordinator of business partnerships, dwelling@tempeunion.org.