New education programs help at-risk students stay in school
Edmonton... Five new outreach programs, launching in September, will give more Alberta youth the opportunity to stay in school. The new programs will be offered in Spruce Grove, the Kikino Métis Settlement, Brooks, Picture Butte and Fort McLeod, bringing the total number of outreach programs operating in the province to 130.
“Not every student excels in the traditional learning environment. Outreach programs provide options for kids who otherwise may not stay in school or get a high school diploma,” said Dave Hancock, Minister of Education. “It’s this kind of innovative thinking by schools and boards that is giving every student the opportunity to succeed.”
Outreach programs help junior and senior high school students who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting to finish their education in an environment tailored to their individual needs. Typically, those attending outreach programs include working students, teen parents and other students at risk of dropping out of school.
Each outreach program provides additional supports and services that encourage and help facilitate high school completion. These programs may include anger management training, study skills and work experience. Many outreach programs are linked to community and social agencies to ensure students have access to the services that these agencies offer.
This year, the Alberta government is providing school boards more than $7 million for outreach programs.
Details of new outreach programs
| Community | Program Name, Location and School Jurisdiction | Program highlights |
| Spruce Grove | Evergreen Catholic Outreach School, Evergreen Catholic Separate Regional Division | This program is aimed at providing a safe, caring environment removed from the traditional school setting for at-risk students. |
| Kikino Metis Settlement | Kikino Outreach School, Northern Lights School Division | The focus of this program is to improve numeracy and literacy skills for students in Grades 9-12 who have had trouble transitioning to a traditional high school. Cultural and social support will also be provided. |
| Brooks | St. Luke’s East Outreach Centre, Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate Regional Division | This program is directed at students who have not had success in the traditional high school setting. It will be supported by community and student health partnership services. |
| Picture Butte | Picture Butte Outreach School, Palliser Regional Division | Geared towards students who are working in the livestock industry who want to obtain a high school diploma, this program will meet the needs of students in Grades 9-12 from six communities: Coalhurst, Monarch, Nobleford, Iron Springs, Picture Butte and Shaughnessy. |
| Fort McLeod | Outreach Central, Livingstone Range School Division | This program will use distance learning, online learning and small group instruction to reach students in Grades 9-12 in the Fort McLeod area as well as those from the Kainai First Nation. |
