ALTERNATIVE AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS
for
High School Students

If your child is having a difficult time negotiating high school there are a number of programs in place for to help students who are foundering or at-risk of dropping out. The school district runs a number of different programs that offer alternative learning environments and opportunities to recover credits when students have failed. There are also a number of partnership programs with community-based organizations that help kids deal with difficult life situations and help them with career planning.

Alternative Education Programs

PASS (Program Alternative to Secondary School) -- An academic and vocational program at the Manchester School of Technology for students age 16-21. Contact Jim Shubert, Director of Alternative Education at:
624-6490 x 239

Ombudsman -- A technology based alternative ed. program that meets 3 hours per day. Students receive credit for working. Contact Jim Schubert, Director of Alternative Education at: 624-6490 x 239

Credit Recovery Programs

PLATO -- On-line courses completed during school hours which allow high schoolstudents to finish coursework or recover credits. Contact guidance office.

Manchester Summer School -- Housed at West High School, the summer school provides students an opportunity for middle and high school students to repeat up to 2 classes and recover two credits. A referral letter is required from the home school for students to receive credit for completed coursework. A fee of $135 (‘07) is charged per course. Contact guidance office.

Youth Empowerment Program -- This is a program for men and women between 18-21years old who are not enrolled in school. It provides GED preparation and career training for students who are economically disadvantaged, pregnant or parenting, have criminal records or skills deficiencies.

Summer school website:
http://westhighschool.org/summerschool/index.asp

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS

MY Turn (America’s Youth Teen Unemployment Reduction Network) -- This program offers career and post-secondary education planning at Central High School.

Ages 14-21
Contact Wendy Jimenez 624-6363

NH-JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates-NH) -- This program helps students focus on staying in school and teaches them skills for entering the workforce.

Grades 9-12
Contact -- 647-2300

RENEW (Rehabilitation, Empowerment, Natural Supports, Education, and Work) -- A partnership program with the Alliance for Community Supports that helps students with significant behavioral and emotional challenges finish high school and obtain jobs.

Grades 9-12
Contact Cathy Abate at 628-7681

TAP (Truancy Alternative Program) -– The YMCA offers a safe, structured alternative to hanging out at home or on the streets for students who have been expelled or suspended.

Grades 6-10
Contact Katie Asaro at 232-8613

Upward Bound -- This is a college access program that provides guidance and support for students who are low income and the first in their families to attend college. Recruitment of 9th and 10 graders takes place in the fall at the 3 high schools. Most referrals come from teachers or guidance counselors, but you may refer your child by

Contacting Upward Bound at 862-1563.