“Houston is considered the energy capital of the world, yet it has the lowest rate of high school graduation in Texas and the fourth lowest high school graduation rate in the United States.”

“Nearly one-third of America’s high-school students failed to graduate in 2010, and sadly, the rate is higher in Greater Houston where nearly 49% failed to graduate.  This number is even higher among African-American and Hispanic/Latino groups, which comprises 94% of our membership.”

HOW DOES DIPLOMAS TO DEGREES HELP YOUTH?

The Diplomas to Degrees, D2D, program was created to address the education crisis and reduce the alarming drop-out rate.  The D2D initiative is part of a larger movement geared to encourage Club members to achieve academic success, graduate from high-school, develop and execute goal-setting skills, and develop college readiness.

The program is designed to guide youth and prepare them for a post-secondary education so they can gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop and maintain successful careers.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America has developed the D2D curriculum with the specific goal of guiding and preparing youth for further education in trade schools, community colleges or four-year colleges and universities.  D2D is designed for two distinct age groups (12 to 14 and 15 to 17) and covers the same basic content at different levels of engagement.  The components of the program include fully-documented activities on topics such as the importance of college; academic preparation; discovering strengths and interests; gaining practical skills and experience; guidance from teachers and other mentors; college search; the application process; financial aid; and what to expect in college.

Participants will receive tips, and strategies, worksheets, and checklists, and older teens will develop a college portfolio that will help them gain admission into college.

Schools, particularly educators and guidance counselors, and parents/family members are all essential to a young person’s success and educational attainment. But community-based organizations such as BGCGH provide a vital piece of the puzzle by offering education, mentoring, support, and resources that youth and their families need to succeed. D2D offers Club members means and resources they need to take steps toward reaching their college goals.