Building a Connected Infrastructure for Youth Success from Cradle to Career Nevada’s 2010 Dropout Prevention Summit Highlights and Accomplishments Since 2008

2008 Ready for Life Nevada Statewide Dropout Prevention Summit Measurable Goal: Increase Nevada’s High School Graduation Rate by 10% by Baseline of 67.4% for class of 2007, as published in Nevada Report Card.

Statewide Action Plan Ready for Life Values: All youth are –educated and ready to learn. –experienced and ready for careers. –connected to adults, peers and services. –confident and ready for life. A connected, operational infrastructure supports youth success. Action Plan Planks: 1.Building a Community Ethic that Values Education 2.Strengthening Schools 3.Supporting Students 4.Data Integration & Coordination 5.Ongoing Collaboration across Systems

Progress since 2008 On track to achieve graduation rate goal System-building and connected infrastructure progress Expansion of common goals to include post-secondary completion and career preparation

Highlights and Accomplishments Since 2008 Ready for Life Nevada Our Shared Youth Vision: Unification of Ready for Life movement with Shared Youth Vision federal initiative –Partnership recognized as national best practice by U.S. Department of Labor State-level collaboration and leadership through Ready for Life Nevada Statewide Council

Highlights and Accomplishments Since 2008 Education and Workforce Collaboration: Unprecedented collaboration for summer employment and academic experiences for more than 1,500 youth, increasing opportunities for both academic credit and job training. Governors Workforce Investment Board Youth Council adopted goal to increase grad rate 10% by Employer survey of 1,500 businesses found most important characteristics desired by employers were honesty, communication skills, and dependability (2-3 times more important than other skills including computer, read/write, and following instructions).

Highlights and Accomplishments Since 2008 Improving Policy to Help Students Succeed: Policy changes allowing excused absences for teen mothers, dual credit (HS and college) expanded, more tech prep credits, and female inmates to earn adult HS education. Committed, active leadership from elected officials at local and state levels. Needs assessments and research with students and parents to increase engagement, with resulting policy recommendations. Collaborative grant applications and pilot efforts toward data sharing and longitudinal tracking systems.

Highlights and Accomplishments Since 2008 Resource Expansion Benefiting Young People Statewide: Individualized academic plans for every student. Expansion of career & technical education (CTE), online learning opportunities, and career pathway partnerships statewide. Reno selected as one of twelve cities nationwide to receive technical assistance grant from National League of Cities for collaborative work on behalf of disconnected youth. United Way grants in both Northern and Southern Nevada (2 of only 15 granted globally) to support school district parent engagement efforts.

Highlights and Accomplishments Since 2008 Resource Expansion Benefiting Young People Statewide (continued): State Farm grant support for service learning, with correlation to academic achievement. 22,000+ students benefited from mentoring and stay-in- school speakers; 128+ schools have ongoing community partners. Implemented the Anahuac Life Skills: School and Community Engagement Program to engage Latino students. Increased online and direct communication with families to support staying in school and preparing for college.

Details & Documentation Ready for Life Statewide Action Plan 2010 Progress Update Ready for Life Southern Nevada Business Case Nevada Public Education Foundation Impact Report

After today... Continued work on priorities Ongoing coordination and communication across state Annual compilation and reporting of progress toward goals Public and joint commitment with accountability: –Adopt an Indicator –Nevada Compact

Nevada Public Education Foundation Helping Nevada's young people get READY FOR LIFE, because a high school diploma matters.