High school graduation must be a priority — not only for students, not only for parents, but for all of us. Successful high school careers today result in strong families tomorrow.

Far too many of our young people are dropping out of high school or not graduating on time. Attrition rates for African-American and Hispanic students in Dallas County are 42 and 54 percent, respectively, according to research.

To combat this trend, United Way is reaching out with Destination: Graduation, its educational initiative designed to improve high school graduation rates and the pursuit of advanced education. Launched in 2005, Destination: Graduation now reaches students in Dallas and Collin Counties.

In the spring of 2009, with two generous grants from the AT&T Foundation, United Way is bringing this successful program to both Dallas ISD and Plano ISD middle schools for the first time. Research shows the entry into ninth grade is when many students make the decision whether or not to stay in school. Therefore, the ability to offer specialized services at the middle school level will provide them with a greater opportunity for successfully moving on to the tenth grade.

Like Born Learning, Destination: Graduation is one of more than 80 programs currently delivered by United Way and community partners to help children and youth achieve their greatest potential. Though both educational initiatives are targeted to specific schools, they benefit the entire community because they promote school achievement, which yields a more qualified work force and a community of strong, successful families.

Destination: Graduation employs a customized-by-school strategy to achieve program goals, focusing on:

• College preparation and SAT training
• Parental involvement
• Mentoring and counseling

Meet one of our D: G high school students, Juan.

"The objectives of Destination: Graduation fit in perfectly with those of Dallas Achieves, the initiative to make Dallas ISD the best urban school district in the nation. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to partner with United Way since it takes the collective effort of educators working in partnership with business and community leaders to make students successful. "

Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Superintendent, Dallas ISD

"Plano ISD is pleased to collaborate with United Way on Destination: Graduation. This program, to be offered at Williams High School and Plano East Senior High School, will utilize numerous resources throughout Collin County to support students who need more help in reaching their goal of high school graduation. "

Dr. Doug Otto, Superintendent, Plano ISD

Results that Deliver

Dallas ISD

• Thomas Jefferson High School: When comparing 9th and 10th grade students, Destination: Graduation students were promoted at a 22 percent higher rate than their peers not in the program.
• W. W. Samuell High School: When comparing 9th, 10th and 11th grade students, Destination: Graduation students were promoted at a 21 percent higher rate than their peers not enrolled in the program.
• Kimball High School: When comparing 9th and 10th grade students, Destination: Graduation students were promoted at a 5 percent higher rate than their peers not in the program.

Plano ISD

• Williams High School: When comparing 9th grade students, Destination: Graduation students were promoted at a 12 percent higher rate than their peers not in the program.
  

Participating High Schools

• Justin F. J. Kimball High School
• Thomas Jefferson High School
• W. W. Samuel High School
• Williams High School
• Plano East High School

Participating Middle Schools

• * Edward H. Cary Middle School
• * Fransisco “Pancho” Medrano Middle School
• ** Armstrong Middle School
• ** Bowman Middle School

* Both middle schools feed into Thomas Jefferson High School, a participating D: G high school.

** Both middle schools feed into Williams High School, a participating D: G high school.

Sponsors

The Muse Education Foundation

More Information

To learn more about how you can support Destination: Graduation and become part of the Live United movement, contact Danielle Mazzeo at 214.978.0026 or at dmazzeo@unitedwaydallas.org.