Kent School District staff say they are committed to helping all students achieve success – even those students who have dropped out of school.

Superintendent Vargas and Green River Community College President Eileen Ely partnered with iGrad to recover students who have dropped out so that they can complete their graduation requirements and take community college courses as well. Chief Accountability Officer Linda Del Giudice explained the district is embarking on a dropout recovery plan, iGrad, with Green River Community College.

iGrad – or Individualized Graduation and Diploma Program is based on a state law passed in June of 2010 and $20,000 in grant funding to start the program. Participating students will generate full funding when the program begins.

The dropout recovery program will be based on an outreach effort to the KSD dropout students between the ages of 16 and 21, as is permitted by law. To operate this recovery program, a two-classroom complex will be established at a non-school location, and staffed with teachers, a dean-counselor and safety officers from 8 a.m.- 8:30 p.m, Monday through Thursday when school is in session.

iGrad will offer high school classes using web based software in an approach similar to that of Kent Phoenix Academy, and will provide individual and small group tutoring and counseling services along with GED classes from Green River Community College. In addition, participating students will be able to take Washington State High School Diploma classes on the Green River Campus, and any other class that Green River offers to prepare them for the world of work.

These classes will be free of charge to the students. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will provide full funding for all participating students.

The goal for the first semester of operation is to serve a minimum of 300 students.

For more information, visit www.kent.k12.wa.us/.