D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) has started a new program titled “DCPS Persists,” dedicated to providing college-bound graduates with a support network to help them succeed in college.
The DCPS Persists program will begin with the class of 2020, offering hundreds of students additional support regarding college and career options.
“Nearly 80 percent of jobs in the District of Columbia require some form of postsecondary education,” according to the website of the program which mainly aims at increasing the college graduation rate of DCPS students.
All college-bound graduates will receive a pre-college orientation, connection to a network of DCPS graduates so that they can share tips or form career networking, and monthly information through a new alumni publication, Forever DCPS.
Every year, a total of 750 college-bound DCPS graduates “will get connected to a DCPS Persists coach to help them navigate the transition to college and find out what academic, financial and other resources are available on their college campus.”
Our students shouldn’t have to navigate college alone and I am excited about the phenomenal suite of #DCPSPersists supports we are offering and the opportunities this program will help our students pursue. Read more at: https://t.co/zQaZDaHTfM
— Chancellor Ferebee (@DCPSChancellor) May 23, 2020
Coaches will remain in touch with students during the first year of college to guide them about their questions or challenges.
“With the launch of DCPS Persists, we are focused on ensuring that more of our students are prepared for success throughout their college experience, graduate from college, and are able to pursue careers that align with their interests,” said DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee in a statement.
“Our students shouldn’t have to navigate college alone and I am excited about the phenomenal suite of supports we are offering and the opportunities this program will help our students pursue. I thank our coaches and alumni who are wrapping their arms around our graduates and look forward to their continued success.”
Students in the Class of 2020 who are interested in learning more about the program can contact the DCPS Persists team at dcps.persists@k12.dc.gov.
DCPS Persists is funded by the D.C. Public Education Fund through a $10 million donation from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation.