Second graduating class proves program's value as 70 percent of grads plan to pursue higher education

CHICAGO, June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS) Virtual High School, a school designed to get struggling students on the path to success, hosted its second commencement of the graduating class of 2011 on June 17 at the Arturo Velazquez Institute.  120 students, many of which were prior high school drop outs, or struggling students, donned traditional caps and gowns today marking the completion of their high school requirements and for many, just a necessary step towards their college career.

"Last year's graduation ceremony was historical because it was our first graduating class. This year will be just as historical because our graduating class has doubled and 70 percent of our students will be transitioning into college after graduation," remarked Early King, YCCS Virtual High School Head of School.  "It makes me extremely proud to see the results of the collaborative effort that each scholar, teacher, family member, mentor and faculty put in to make this day manifest itself."

YCCS Virtual High School, powered by K12, is an innovative credit recovery program for students who need 12 or fewer credits to graduate. Eligible students are able to take online courses, working with highly skilled teachers, to complete the credits they need to receive a diploma.  Students attend a learning center located in Malcolm X College of Chicago where students work on their online lessons with guidance and support from certified teachers and staff.  Students can also access their courses/classes outside of the learning center with the support of online educators which provides great flexibility and helps put them on the path to success.

Since 1997, Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS) has been the only charter school in the State of Illinois that offers academic choices to thousands of students who have dropped out of traditional high schools, but have a desire for a better future. YCCS has a long history of serving one of the most vulnerable student populations in the City of Chicago. With a rigorous orientation towards "authentic student learning" YCCS is one of few charter schools in the nation with a multi-site community-based configuration of 22 campuses that offer small school environments.

YCCS serves at-risk students and high school dropouts who are ages 16-21 and who have been under-served and /or disconnected from traditional education. YCCS offers a diverse portfolio of alternative education "choice" campuses for off-track students and out-of-school youth.

To learn more about YCCS Virtual High School, please visit: www.k12.com/yccs

SOURCE Youth Connection Charter School

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