What's Happening?
The Galax school district in Virginia has implemented a mentorship program called Primeros Pasos to address high dropout rates among English learners. The program pairs Hispanic college students from Virginia Tech
with at-risk high school students in the district. Since its inception, the program has significantly reduced the dropout rate from 29% to 7%. Mentors provide weekly virtual check-ins and monthly in-person activities, offering guidance and support to students. The program aims to show students the opportunities available beyond high school, including college, vocational training, and career paths.
Why It's Important?
The success of the Primeros Pasos program highlights the impact of mentorship in supporting at-risk students, particularly English learners. By providing role models who share similar cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the program addresses barriers to education and encourages students to complete their high school education. This initiative demonstrates the importance of community and university partnerships in enhancing educational outcomes. The program's success could inspire similar efforts in other districts facing challenges with dropout rates among minority and economically disadvantaged students.
What's Next?
The Galax school district plans to continue and potentially expand the Primeros Pasos program, seeking additional resources and partnerships to sustain its impact. The program's success story may encourage other districts to adopt similar mentorship models. Continued collaboration with Virginia Tech and other institutions could lead to further innovations in supporting English learners and reducing dropout rates. The district may also explore additional programs to address other educational challenges faced by its diverse student population.
