Graduation Assistance Impacting the Needs of Students (GAINS)
Graduation! That’s what it’s all about. Twelve years, and you’re supposed to pass that milestone, the biggest up to that point in kids’ young lives. But for a variety of reasons, that important milestone is in jeopardy for some kids, and some just need our help. Your help. This is where the Ballard High School GAINS (Graduation Assistance Impacting the Needs of Students) comes in and really can make a difference.
Read on to find out more about this program that the Ballard High School Foundation is very proud of.
What is GAINS?
The GAINS Program is a partnership between Ballard High School and the Ballard High School Foundation. The GAINS Program aims to help students who are most at risk by providing the support and motivation to help these students graduate on time and prepare for success in college and career.
Background
In 2012, Ballard High School had an 89% four-year graduation rate. That was an impressive figure, but it meant that 11% of students did not graduate on time. That meant that at any given time nearly 200 Ballard students were at risk for dropping out or falling behind.
It was then that Ballard High School principal Keven Wynkoop approached the Ballard High School Foundation to voice concern for these students that were at risk of slipping through the cracks. He suggested a program based on others he had seen, and the result was GAINS.
After four years of the program, Ballard’s four-year graduation rate had risen to 92%.
Purpose
National studies have shown that students who drop out of high school have lower lifetime earnings, a higher risk of poverty, and a higher risk of incarceration. High school success is a strong predictor of future life success, as well as a prerequisite for college and career.
Goals
With the help of the GAINS Program, by 2016 we aimed to improve our measures in each of the following categories:
- Graduation The four-year graduation rate would increase from 89% to 94% (92% actual)
- Back On Track The percentage of Repeat 9th graders earning at least five credits would increase from 27% to 50% (data unavailable)
- College Preparation The number of graduates enrolling in higher education within a year of graduation would increase from 65% to 70% (86% intended to enroll)
Program
GAINS will work with Ballard High School administrators to:
- Identify incoming freshmen and existing Ballard students who are at risk for delayed graduation or dropping out due to grades, absenteeism, or disciplinary issues
- Refer these students to existing resources for tutoring, credit retrieval, or social services support
- Mentor these students to provide individualized support, as well as ongoing monitoring of grades, attendance, and behavior
- Improve the self esteem of struggling students to support their efforts to better their academic careers
- Acknowledge students’ success at improving their grades, attendance, behavior, and progress toward graduation
Program Costs
GAINS is proposed as a partnership between Ballard High School and the Ballard High School Foundation. The high school will identify students and provide office space and supplies. Program costs for five years could total up to $60,000 per year for:
- $50,000 for a Success Coordinator
- $5,000 for student acknowledgement
- $5,000 for program costs (i.e. credit retrieval, supplies, etc.)
Proposed Funding
Funding partners could include local businesses, non-profit service providers, major donors, alumni, grants, Ballard High School Administration, BHS PTSA, BHS Foundation, and in-kind donors (Ballard Chamber of Commerce, etc.).
Visit our Donation/Support page to learn how you can contribute, or Contact Us for more information about GAINS