Institution Sacred Heart Nativity School State California Academic Level Community-Based Organization Issue Area Support Services Website https://www.shnativity.org/our-schools/graduate-support-program/ Key Personnel Raul Tornel Program Focus College Prep Overview The Graduate Support Program at Sacred Heart Nativity Schools (SHNS) supports students through high school and empowers them to achieve their post-secondary education goals. The program's goal is for all alumni to excel academically, graduate high school, enroll in college, and graduate from college. Program Description The Graduate Support Program at SHNS began in 2004 upon the graduation of the school’s first class of 8th graders. SHNS’s relationship with students continues well after eighth-grade graduation, creating a unique support system for low-income Latino youth. The Graduate Support Program is crucial in the early identification and resolution of problems that could otherwise cause a student to drop out of high school or college. The program accomplishes this through its three pillars: academic support, high school graduation, and college preparedness. They support students academically through check-ins, referrals to services, follow-ups, teaching advocacy skills, and providing a space to do homework. Grade reports are used to inform academic advising, support college advising, or set up meetings with teachers. The program monitors students and supports their path to graduation. To help their alumni enroll and graduate from college, the Graduate Support Network provides workshops on college admissions, college tours, SAT Prep classes for juniors, a job shadow day, and volunteer opportunities. Outcome As of the Class of 2015, SHNS has over 357 alumni, 99% of whom are Latino. 52% of SHNS alumni currently enrolled in high school, 44% are currently enrolled in college, and 4% graduated from college or are serving in the military. The Class of 2014 had 80% of the high school student enrolled in postsecondary education and enrollment for the Class of 2015 grew to 88%. SHNS’ high school graduation rate is 96%, well above the national graduation average of 76% for Latino students and the California average of 73.2%. Learn more about Latino College Completion in California Return to Growing What Works Database
