Our Context
We believe that our societal challenges stem from well-documented, structural funding inequities among districts by racial comparison. For SLPS, this has commensurately produced profound inequities in accessing high-quality educational and socio-emotional resources due to lack of funding and focus.
We know that college- and career-readiness begins during pre-Kindergarten years. Early interventions are essential to post-secondary success. Research suggests that classroom-based Early Childhood Education (ECE) yield long-term benefits, including significant decreases in likelihood of special education placement, increased grade retention, and higher graduation rates (McCoy et al., 2017).
Nationally, only 68% of high school graduates immediately enroll in postsecondary institutions. Post-secondary education helps students to gain access to quality jobs, earn sustainable wages, feel a sense of economic security, and obtain career advancement opportunities (Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools).
6th-12 Grade Post-Secondary Opportunity
Investments in post-secondary readiness are essential to ensuring SLPS students and families are equipped with standards-based college and/or career-ready skills, exposures, and resources to be successful beyond high school completion.
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6th-12th Grade Post-Secondary programming is currently being implemented across the District.
Programming includes:
ACT Prep Support
College Specialists
College Visit & Scholarship Fund
Early College Academy
Learn & Earn Internship Program
Show Me The World Project
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In partnership with Princeton Review, this programming provides ACT Prep training for teachers. Teachers receive the curriculum materials necessary to administer ACT Prep courses for students at high schools throughout the District.
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The District's Early College Academy (ECA) program positions 11th and 12th grade students to earn their high school diploma and college credits toward an associate's degree at the same time. Through the ECA program, up to 100 students (including 70 full-time) are dually-enrolled in their home high school, while simultaneously attending courses at St. Louis Community College or Harris-Stowe State University.
STLEdFund Footprint: Approximately 100 students annually
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SLPS high school staff and counselors work together to assist 9th grade students in their transition into high school. Scholars are supported in their identification of post-secondary areas of interest, and are provided early college and career exposures.
STLEdFund Footprint: Approximately 1,000 students annually
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Learn & Earn places SLPS high schoolers in paid internships, giving them an opportunity to work closely with St. Louis region employers and get critical career exposures.
STLEdFund Footprint: Approximately 450 students annually
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We collaborate with Show Me The World Project, a nonprofit organization that provides District students with experiential learning opportunities that introduce them to culturally diverse individuals and ways of life. This program provides students with immersive curriculum focusing on STEM, entrepreneurship, global competency, international travel, and leadership.