Previous Dropouts to Speak Out on the Dropout Crisis

SIATech Inland Empire High School Students will Share their Experiences at California State University San Bernardino on Saturday, March 13

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- There is a dropout crisis in America. Every nine seconds a student drops out of high school (American Youth Policy Forum, Whatever it Takes). The process and circumstances surrounding a student dropping out are more complex than this one moment in time. Students who were once dropouts will share their stories with graduate students at California State University San Bernardino this Saturday, March 13, at 9:00 am.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100311/DC68998)

The four student speakers are from the School for Integrated Academics and Technologies (SIATech). This unique charter high school is a place where previous dropouts can excel. Its students thrive in the workplace-like classroom environment that emphasizes hands-on learning and connecting academics with the real world. SIATech's Inland Empire campus has graduated more than 750 previous dropouts since it opened in 1998.

WHAT: "Student Voices on the Dropout Crisis"

Previous dropouts share their perspectives on the dropout crisis in California. The presentation gives the students a voice on a subject that affects them in personal ways. It also provides these high school students an inside look at college campuses and classes. This is the second time the students are presenting. On March 3, 2010, they shared their experiences with doctorate research students at California State University, Long Beach.

WHO: SIATech Students:  Esther Fragoso, Terrell Frink, Branden Lewis-Jones, Jenavie Del Toro

Facilitators: SIATech Principal Jake Gordon and Dr. Louie Rodriguez

WHEN: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9:00 am – 9:45 am

Students will give a 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A

WHERE: California State University, San Bernardino

6000 University Parkway, San Bernardino, 92407 (Directions)

Call or email Jake Gordon, 909.289.2084 for room information

About SIATech

SIATech® (pronounced SIGH-a-tek) is an award-winning dropout recovery program. SIATech is a fully accredited network of public charter high schools that operates in partnership with Job Corps and WIA programs. The schools serve low-income, previously out-of-school youth. SIATech excels at identifying student strengths and individualizing instruction to meet each student's needs and goals. The school's safe and caring setting enables students to take charge of their learning and obtain the tools needed to be college- and career-ready. SIATech's eight California school sites have graduated more than 6,000 of California's previous dropouts since 1998. www.siatech.org

SOURCE SIATech