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. 2018 Nov 14;133(1 Suppl):54S–64S. doi: 10.1177/0033354918799344

Table 1.

Examples of school-, family-, community-, and employer-based programs for the reengagement of disconnected youtha

Program Name Target Audience Program Description Outcomes
School-based programs
 PACE Center for Girls Girls aged 11-18 who exhibit multiple health, safety, and delinquency risk factors such as poor academic performance, truancy, risky sexual behavior, and substance use PACE operates in 19 nonresidential, year-round centers across Florida. Girls attend PACE during school hours and receive academic and social services (eg, life skills training, care planning). Parental engagement, transition, and follow-up services are key to PACE. When girls leave PACE, they are expected to return to schools to complete their secondary education. Results of a randomized controlled trial are expected in 2018 that will include examining the impact of the program on high school completion, school suspensions, absenteeism, arrests, and employment stability. Interim report findings were included in Treskon et al.21
 Reconnecting Youth Adolescents aged 10-12 who are (1) behind in credits for grade level, (2) in the top 25th percentile for absences, (3) have a grade point average lower than 2.3 OR have a prior dropout OR have been referred by school personnel Evidence-based program intended to increase school performance, decrease drug involvement, and decrease emotional distress via a 75-lesson curriculum, social and school bonding activities, and a school crisis response plan.
 A qualitative study in an urban high school setting showed that the program directly increased personal control, prolonged exposure to the program, and increased protective factors.22
Employer-based programs
 National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program Young men and women aged 16-18 who have difficulty completing traditional high school Using a military model, a voluntary 17-month dropout recovery program helps at-risk young people earn their high school diploma or GED, enroll in college or trade school, start a career, or join the military. Compared with controls, program participants were more likely to obtain their GED, to have earned college credits (72% vs 56%), to be employed and earning about 20% more income, and to report living on their own. Unfavorable trends increased the risk of not using birth control and having tried illegal drugs other than marijuana.23
 Opportunity Youth Service Initiative Diverse young people and young adults aged 18-24 from disadvantaged backgrounds The initiative provides young people with an opportunity to engage in an environmental service project, workplace readiness training, assistance in transition to college, and professional certifications, including OSHA. Results showed that 48% of participants indicated that they enrolled in a school, and 52% indicated that they successfully obtained employment. Substantial differences emerged in community engagement, teamwork, leadership, self-responsibility, communication, and grit.24

Abbreviations: GED, general educational development; OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

a Disconnected (or opportunity) youth are teenagers and young adults aged 16-24 who are neither in school nor employed.2