(NAPSA)—While most families acknowledge the importance of edu- cation, one outof every six students in America doesn't graduate high school ontime. This can be the result of many unfortunate circumstances but research shows that what happens during outof-school time can have a significant impact onreversing the negative trends facing youth, including dropoutrates. Fortunately, there are steps that parents and others can take. WhatParents Can Do + Stay in touch with yourchildren. Let Kids andteens are more likely to stay in school when they have place to goafter school where they can have fun and learn to be good ci them knowtheycantalk to you about ‘Thereare also programsspecifically for school. Show how itwill affect their America,to “provide meaningful expe- Be involved with the school. Get to know their teachers and school administration. Teachers see students in the academic environment more than parents do. If you can, join the PTA orvolunteerat various events so you can be amongthefirst to know whathappensatschool. with peers and be guided by trained youth development professionals so anything,including trouble at school. + Explain why they need to stay in future, socially and economically. + Intervene if necessary. Somekids may need tutors, mentors, psychologists, counselors or career shadowing to do their best. +Look into changing schools. A charter or vocational high school, teens, designed, said Jim Clark, presi- dent and CEO ofBoys & Girls Clubsof riencestoday soteens are ready to chase their dreams tomorrow.’ Around 97 percentof these teens expect to graduate high schooland88 percent expectto complete some form of postsecondary education. At the Clubs, youths can have fun those most in need can achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,600 Clubs serveover 4.7 million young people in cities, towns, public housing and home-schooling or an online program maybe best for your child. ‘on Native lands throughout the country, and on US. military installations worldwide. ‘There's a nonprofit organization that port amongsuch celebrities as LeBron in need and guide them all down the right pathinlife. Washington, whohaveall endorsed the placeto goatthe end ofeach schoolday, recent Harris Survey, 54 percentsaid the WhatOthers Are Doing The Clubs have enjoyed strong sup- finds ways to address each young person James, Howie Mandel and Denzel With 11.3 million kids having no and 43 million with no access to sum- mer learning programs, Boys & Girls ClubsofAmericaprovide stability and a great environmentfor kids andteensto learn and grow. They have programsin Sports and Recreation, Education,Arts, Health and Wellness, Career Develop- ment, and Character and Leadership. Boys & Girls Clubs of America. So have mostof the organization's alumni. In a Clubsavedtheir lives. Learn More For further facts, visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America website, www. bgca.org. To find a nearby club, click “GetInvolved,’ thenclick “Find a Club” To view donation options, click on “WaysTo Give”
