“The Graduation Project provides an opportunity for students to comprehensively apply their accumulated knowledge to a challenging self-selected task,” said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Michael Perry. “These real world projects place students into an arena of deadlines, collaboration, research, and multi-media presentations. All of these skills and attributes are necessary to be successful in college or in the workforce.”

Another resource being offered to students is Futures for Kids (F4K). F4K is an online career exploration tool that connects middle and high school students with businesses and career coaches. “We offer them the tools they must have to be successful, “ said Tanja Hawes, F4K Employer Development Manager.

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F4K is continuing to seek ways we can be a resource for the NC Graduation Project, helping students manage and track their project through our online portfolio and providing access to hundreds of electronic mentors.

HERE WE GROW AGAIN
	Since 2004, Futures for Kids (F4K) has been providing an innovative career development system to more than 250 schools across North Carolina. We are very pleased to be able to offer the Futures for Kids system to all interested school systems statewide for the 2008-2009 school year. We have already expanded to Orange County and New Hanover County Schools and are looking forward to helping these students create a plan for success!     “We are excited to utilize F4K as a resource in our efforts to provide educational opportunities for successful futures. The emphasis on educational relevance and community partnerships will be particularly important in preparing the students of Orange County for the 21st century workforce.”   “New Hanover County Schools believes that through strong partnerships and a shared vision, our schools, parents, and community can work together to achieve quality educational results for all. We look forward to F4K coming alongside us on that journey, ensuring our students will graduate possessing the skills necessary for success.” Patrick Rhodes Superintendent Orange County Schools Dr. Al Lerch Superintendent New Hanover County Schools

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

When Students Walk Away
Since North Carolina's Class of 2008 entered ninth grade four years ago, more than 25,000 of them have dropped out. That's about 30 percent
of the class. While each teen who leaves school early has a unique story, together they have one thing in common: Their future looks bleak. http://www.newsobserver.com/print/friday/opinion/story/1098122.html

Stay the Course
Far too many students drop out of high school. With all that's at stake,
why should they be allowed to do so at age 16?  http://www.newsobserver.com/print/sunday/opinion/story/1100333.html