Establishes pilot grant program to enable overage, under-credit youth to obtain high school diploma or equivalent

1. Legislative Intent

2. The program is directed at ages 12 to 22, overage, under-credited youth in grades seven to twelve, with continuous Support after gradu- ation or GED attainment. Eligible youth typically will have one or more research-based risk factors.

*Section 4951 *

Creates a pilot program to support a research-driven, comprehensive program for overage, under-credited youth in the Big Five City school districts to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as make an effective transition to employment or postsecondary level training. The program will be piloted with 1,200 students; 600 will be in New York City, and 150 in each in Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, and Yonkers.

*Section 4952 *

Each school district application must include a consortia of community- based organizations, postsecondary institutions, businesses, unions, adult education programs or other organizations to connect neighborhood services with youth and families.

*Section 4953 *

Activities in the program shall include:

1. A full-time paid advocate

2. Academic and after-school support

3. Wrap-around support services

4. Part-time paid, year-round employment and scholarships

5. Workplace supervisor and mentor

6. A clear pathway to postsecondary education or career

7. Family engagement and strengthening

*Section 4954 * Cost of the program:

-$2,500 per pupil for advocacy, scholarships, work experience and mentoring

-$3,500 per pupil for wrap-around support services, academic support, and family engagement

-$700 per parent to participate in adult education

-Employment preparation education state aid for eligible parents over age 21 used as a match

-$500,000 for outcome evaluation

* Section 4955 * Anticipated Results:

1. All students graduate high school or obtain a GED

2. Students are prepared for the workforce

3. Increased number of students successfully transitioning to postsecon- dary education

4. Reduces turnover costs for employers

5. Keeps New York State talent in New York State

6. Stabilizes families

7. Lowers the incarceration rate

Section 2 appropriates the sum of $8,450,000.

Section 3 states the effective date (immediately) and provides that the act be repealed 5 years from the effective date.

Justification

Overage, under-credited students are concentrated in schools and commu- nities with the greatest challenges in improving student achievement. In fact, according to the NYC Department of Education's Office of Multiple pathways, there are approximately 140,000 under-credited students between the ages of 16-21 in New York City alone. These students repre- sent 20% of all high school students enrolled in city schools. In the state's Big Five School Districts, nearly 70% of minority and limited English proficient 7th graders fail to graduate by the 12th grade.

The vast majority of over-aged, under-credited students end up dropping out of school, going to jail, or aging out of the system without earning a high school diploma or GED. In fact, 75% of all state prison inmates have not completed high school and individuals without a high school diploma are 60% more likely to use TANF, 80% more likely to use food stamps, and more likely to use public housing than are high school grad- uates. In addition, for each cohort of 18 year-olds that do not complete high school, the U.S. loses $192 billion dollars (1.6% of the GDP) in tax revenues alone. This puts an enormous burden not only on these students and their families but on their communities, the state, and the nation as well.

This bill is an outgrowth of continual discussions I have had with the NYS Department of Education to address over-aged, under-credited students. This bill establishes a comprehensive program targeting high risk, over-aged, under-credited students ages 12-22 in the Big Five City School Districts. The program will provide academic and after-school support; community based social, health, and career services; employment and workplace mentoring; and family engagement to support students and ensure they graduate from high school and are prepared for postsecondary education or the workforce.

Prior legislative history

S.7494 of 2008 04/08/08 REFERRED TO EDUCATION 01/11/11 REFERRED TO EDUCATION 01/04/12 REFERRED TO EDUCATION 01/09/13 REFERRED TO EDUCATION 01/08/14 REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

The State Education Department estimates the cost of this program to be $8.54 million.

Effective date

Immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed 5 years after such effective date.