(story originally published in Spanish at Lowell Corazon Latino)
Lowell – If you are one of those who have dropped out of school and have not yet completed your high school diploma (HS), you can take advantage of flexible schedule options and personalized accommodations to obtain your diploma. The city of Lowell offers a wide range of resources designed to support young people in this situation, providing accessible alternatives to resume and complete their education.
Through innovative programs such as the Engagement Center, the Career Academy, and collaborations with organizations like Job Corps, personalized options are available to help students achieve their educational goals, whether through traditional graduation or obtaining a GED (General Educational Development). These initiatives not only offer academic support but also connect students with essential services like emotional counseling, tutoring, job training, and community resources, ensuring comprehensive support to promote their educational and personal success.
At the end of last year, the Educational Resources Fair was held in Lowell, an event dedicated to providing comprehensive support to students seeking to complete their high school diploma or its equivalent through the GED program. Organized by the Student Resource Center, the event brought together various institutions and programs, both from the Lowell Public Schools system and other external organizations, to offer guidance and resources to young people needing an alternative path to graduation.
Lauren Campion, Director of the Student Resource Center
During the event, Lauren Campion, director of the Student Resource Center, explained the existence of multiple flexible educational options, ranging from small charter schools to online programs, designed to meet students’ individual needs. She also highlighted the work of the Engagement Center, part of Lowell Public Schools, which plays a crucial role in connecting students with academic, emotional, and social support resources.
The purpose of this event, held last December, was to promote these educational opportunities to students and their families. Attendees also had the chance to speak with program representatives who offered key resources such as mental health support, housing, and food access, addressing essential needs that often impact academic performance.
Graduation Pathways Programs
A key component was the participation of Job Corps, a program that not only trains young people in areas such as medical assistance, electricity, plumbing, and carpentry but also supports them throughout their transition into the workforce. Job Corps is committed to guiding its participants through the entire process, including job placement and post-graduation follow-up for a full year, ensuring they have the necessary tools for long-term job stability.
Community Schools
This strategy leverages community partnerships to provide a network of comprehensive services in schools, addressing the student’s needs as a whole. This model aligns with existing school features, such as extracurricular programs and family participation, and has shown improvements in attendance, behavior, and academic performance, especially among Hispanic/Latino students.
Credit Recovery Programs
Programs are offered to help students recover lost academic credits, allowing them to catch up and meet graduation requirements. These programs may include online courses, tutoring, and project-based options.
Summer Programs
Outreach programs have been implemented during the summer to support homeless youth and families, as well as to re-engage students struggling with attendance or academic performance.
In Spanish Classes
Latinx Center also offers HiSET (High School Equivalency Classes) in Spanish. Contact Latinx at (978) 319-4097 or visit us at 97 Central Street, 3rd floor, Lowell, 01852.
The Engagement Center
The Engagement Center is a hybrid, competency-based program that offers students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma. Since its creation in 2015, it has played a crucial role in reducing dropout rates in Lowell Public Schools. It combines online courses with in-person and remote tutoring support, as well as counseling and social support for students with more than 60 credits who cannot attend traditional school hours. It also serves students under long-term suspension, ensuring continuity in their academic progress.
In the 2023 school year, 74 students graduated through this program, which will soon incorporate project-based options for credit recovery. Since its founding, it has helped over 520 students earn their diplomas, representing between 10% and 15% of Lowell Public Schools’ graduating class, according to its official page.
Similarly, the Career Academy, located at 125 Smith St., Lowell, MA, complements these efforts by offering a full-service community school for students in grades 9-12. Together, the Engagement Center and Career Academy provide alternative pathways and comprehensive support for students at risk of dropping out, significantly contributing to improving graduation rates in the district.
Event Participants at MCC
The event at Middlesex Community College targeted young people aged 16 to 22 interested in exploring educational alternatives to complete high school and career options, offering valuable resources that helped families achieve their goals. Notable participants included Lowell Public Schools, Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School, Mental Health Resources, Homeless Assistance (McKinney-Vento), Innovation Academy Charter School, Greater Commonwealth Virtual School, Abisi Adult Education Center, LCCE (Latinx Community Center for Empowerment), Middlesex Community College, Tecca Connection Academy, along with other organizations committed to education and youth development.
Dropout Statistics
According to the 2022-2023 dropout report for Lowell High School, the overall dropout rate was 3.8%. Notably, the dropout rate among Hispanic or Latino students was 5.2%, compared to the general average of 3.8%. This indicates that Hispanic or Latino students at Lowell High School have a higher dropout rate than the overall average. Additionally, students with disabilities had a dropout rate of 7.2%, while students with limited English proficiency had an even higher rate of 7.5%. These data highlight the need for targeted approaches to support these groups and reduce dropout rates in the school community.
(These figures are documented in the 2022-2023 dropout rate report for Lowell High School, published by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.)
A Final Note…
Empathy in This Process
Empathy is a powerful tool in the educational field, especially when supporting young people in vulnerable situations. Understanding the emotions and individual challenges of each student can make the difference between dropping out and finding a new beginning. Listening patiently, without judgment, and seeking solutions tailored to their needs not only builds trust but also demonstrates genuine commitment to their well-being and academic success.
A simple example: Lauren Campion, with sensitivity and dedication, managed to reintegrate a student after visiting his home due to prolonged absence. Upon speaking with him, the young man confessed to feeling uncomfortable due to social anxiety. Campion, showing empathy, arranged for a private classroom for him, allowing him to resume his classes. This is a clear example of how listening and understanding can make a difference. (No details are provided for privacy reasons)
You can contact:
Director of the Student Resource Center: Lauren Campion, Ed.D. (lcampion@lowell.k12.ma.us); Engagement Center Coordinator: Dorothy Louise, LICSW (dlouise@lowell.k12.ma.us). Phone: 978-375-9967
Te puede interesar: Barreras para Estudiantes Latinos https://www.lowelcorazonlatino.com/post/barreras-para-estudiantes-hispanos-y-latinos
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