The Path to College

In addition to LearningWorks’ Summer Academy and School Year Program, LearningWorks provides educational opportunities to students through academic support, high school transition mentoring and aid, and family support.

The first step to the college path is choosing a challenging high school program and meeting graduation requirements. LearningWorks collaborates closely with Minneapolis public high school programs to match students with rigorous, college-preparatory Small Learning Communities [link] within the public school system. LearningWorks provides on-going support for students throughout high school, and aims to further develop high school support in the near future. Keeping students on track to graduation is vital for their success. Minneapolis students are, on average, 7 times more likely to drop out of high school than students in other Hennepin County school districts (Minnesota Department of Children, Families, & Learning, 2002). Currently, about a third of the more than 13,000 students enrolled in Minneapolis public high schools drop out before their graduation date (Minneapolis Public Schools, 2003).

LearningWorks graduates are now well into their high school careers. As they approach the college application process, LearningWorks will provide ongoing resources for application, financial aid, and standardized testing.