News Release

Everett Public Schools

September 27, 2006

For more information:

Mary Waggoner (425) 385-4049

Becky Ballbach, 425-385-4086

Project STAR recognized as promising practice

"It is my pleasure to award this Promising Practice Award to Everett Public Schools for Project STAR," said Brad Garner,

youth program manager at the Snohomish County Workforce Development Council on July 27, 2006, at the Celebrate

Success event.

Project STAR (Supporting Teens at Risk) provides drop-out prevention, intervention, and retrieval for youth enrolled in Everett

Public Schools. This innovative program provides tutoring, online high school classes, and supportive services that keep

students engaged and connected to their learning in order to graduate on time.

Initiated in the fall of 2005, Project STAR has served 99 high school students who had either dropped out of high school or

were at risk of dropping out. Project STAR success coordinators have assisted 23 students to earn their high school diplomas

and 40 students to get on target to graduate on time. Students have earned more than 300 credits in this project. In addition,

Everett Public Schools has taken the lead on by dedicating staff time and resources above the dwindling grant monies to

continue this project.

The Snohomish County Workforce Development Council Promising Practice Award was created to recognize employers and

organizations who take a new approach to helping solve education and training issues and offer opportunities for Snohomish

County's work force.

"While youth in high school are often not recognized as a strong part of our work force, they are an important piece of our

economic future. Everett Public Schools has recognized this, and has taken steps over the past year to aid students who are

on the verge of leaving school," Garner said. Through a partnership with the Snohomish County Workforce Development

Council, Project STAR is in place at all high schools in Everett Public Schools.

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