Dropouts Given A New Option At Union

At Union Public Schools, 226 kids gave up on their education.  News On 6 anchor Terry Hood reports the district started a program Wednesday night to help those dropouts get back on track and possibly into a new career. 

After school, in the shadow of the teepee, Union High students on the verge of losing their education are hearing about a new option.

"Yeah, it's great redemption actually," said Union student Matthew Hibbs.

Matthew Hibbs is in danger of not getting his high school diploma.  The Union senior-to-be admits hanging out with the wrong crowd has put him behind on credits.

"Mostly just skipping school and making bad choices, really," said Matthew Hibbs.

Union Schools is teaming up with six Tulsa construction companies to help kids like Matthew stay on track.

"For the construction industry, it's a grow your own employees and for the student it's so they can get their GED and diploma and further their formal education," said John Rosell with Cantera Construction.

The program works by training 18 to 21 year olds who dropped out of school in construction related skills.  They also get to work in the classroom to either get their diploma or GED.

"The idea is to find a way to keep them engaged so they will actually complete their high school diploma or their GED because sometimes they're significant behind and we know that we're going to lose them," said Chuck Hanna with Union Public Schools.

Tulsa Public Schools isn't a part of the program, but it has a number of options for dropouts.  Most recently, the district opened The School at the Mall at Promenade.

Students in that program attend for half a day and only work on classes they need to graduate.  Nearly 80 students have graduated in this first year.

The hope at Union is to go one step further and give the students both a high school diploma and a skill that will last years into the future.

The Union program is also offering a financial incentive.  Students can earn up to $7 an hour while learning the construction trade.  They also earn $20 a week during their academic training.