Seniors at Austintown, Campbell, Warren and Youngstown are active participants in our Summer Melt program.
In one local district, the 2016 four-year high school graduation rate was 86%. The district has in place solid leadership - teachers, administrators - and they are making tremendous strides to improve outcomes, yet there continues to be an underrepresentation of students pursuing their postsecondary degree. The districts matriculation rate has remained flat for students who attend college the fall immediately following graduation (National Student Clearinghouse - 2016 – 46.4%; 2015 - 45.5%; 2014 – 42.8%). The number slightly increases for students who attend anytime the first year following graduation (2016 – 49.1%; 2015 – 47.3%; 2014 – 46.8%).
EOEP began working with students to support them their senior year in high school, the summer after graduation, and their freshman year in college. Through the use of Signal Vine software, EOEP sends up to two texts, students preferred method of communication, per week to students. The texts remind students of steps that need to be taken for them to matriculate (FAFSA completion, application due dates). Students can text EOEP with questions or concerns, and with the support of our high school and university partners (Kent Trumbull, YSU & EGCC), we provide timely and accurate responses. From basic answers to helping one student get transportation to a local adult career center.
Our success in postsecondary matriculation will be measured by an increase in the number of students who matriculate. In our target districts, EOEP will work to increase the matriculation rate from 44.7% to 50% by 2020.
