November 3rd 2024.
Erin Fernandez has a clear objective as a reengagement specialist at Colorado Youth for a Change - to be a voice for students who have left school prematurely and to support them in completing their education. Her current task involves reaching out to nearly 300 former students, asking if they are interested in returning to school. Fernandez, who has been serving the west Denver area in this role since August, hopes to create a welcoming environment for these youth, where they feel a sense of belonging and are seen, heard, and acknowledged.
Colorado Youth for a Change is a non-profit organization based in Denver that focuses on students who have dropped out of school before obtaining their diplomas or GEDs. Established in 2005, the organization provides support to these students through their reengagement program, helping them to finish their education.
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Mary Zanotti, the executive director of Colorado Youth for a Change, explains that when the organization first started, there were about 18,000 students dropping out of school. However, since then, the number has been cut in half, with around 9,000 students each year leaving before graduation. The first step towards reengagement is reaching out to these students and their families, which the organization does by sending letters, making phone calls, and even visiting their homes to gauge their interest.
Zanotti notes that there is a great need for this program because many young people are not aware that they can return to school after leaving. Navigating this process can be difficult, and the organization aims to make it easier for these students. There are various reasons why students drop out, such as having to work, supporting their siblings, or even raising children of their own. This is also a problem that highlights inequities, as there is a disproportionate number of young males of color among those who leave school early.
Zanotti adds that not graduating can have long-lasting effects on an individual's life, impacting their ability to secure better-paying jobs. However, obtaining an education can have a positive impact on future generations as well. Zanotti mentions that when one sibling graduates, it can change the path for the entire family.
When Colorado Youth for a Change successfully reengages a student, the next step is to schedule school tours and explore alternative education options. Their reengagement specialists continue to support these students throughout the next school year, ensuring that no barriers stand in the way of their education. Currently, the reengagement program is only available in the Denver metro area, specifically in Denver Public Schools, Englewood Schools, and Aurora Public Schools. However, the organization partners with 20 school districts statewide, including those in northern Colorado and on the Western Slope.
Over the past decade, the non-profit has also developed intervention programs to prevent students from dropping out in the first place. Zanotti explains that they try to provide support to students before they reach the point of completely disengaging from school. Some of their programs include mentoring and other services to help students stay on track.
For Zanotti, every young person deserves access to education and the opportunities that come with it. She believes that catching a student at the right time can be a life-changing moment. Colorado Youth for a Change has been in operation since 2005, with 40 employees, 60 volunteers, and an annual budget of $8 million. The organization serves around 6,000 clients every year.
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