City of Tulsa Supports Dropout Prevention Programs

The City of Tulsa and other local businesses, schools, and organizations have teamed up to initiate a program that allows young people to make money while they train for careers in the construction industry and complete their high school diploma or GED.

This community project seeks to recover Tulsa-area high school dropouts, and those at risk of dropping out, by providing an opportunity to receive high school credentials and occupational training for a group of 20 Tulsa-area youth, ages 18 to 22. Participants are offered incentives for good training attendance and are paid for their work-based learning experiences. After demonstrating proficiency in the program, participants will have an opportunity for employment with a local construction company.

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, Union Public Schools, Work Force Oklahoma, Career Tech, Tulsa Technology Center and a local construction consortium are working together to present the pilot program. Partnering industries will include the Association of General Contractors and the Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC), as represented by Tulsa-based Cantera Concrete Company.

This program is just one of many designed to ensure the success of Tulsa students. The City of Tulsa is also hosting the America’s Promise Alliance Dropout Prevention Summit this summer. The forum will bring together city and community leaders to map out an action plan for reducing the rate of high school dropouts in the city.

The summit is slated for Thursday, August 28, 2008 at the Allen Chapman Activity Center at the University of Tulsa, 440 S. Gary Avenue.