The Los Angeles Unified School District is the second largest school district in the nation, with a high school graduation rate of 56%, compared to state graduation rates of 73% and roughly 70% nationally.
Among students surveyed after quitting school, 46% cited boredom and lack of relevancy as the reason they dropped out. In Los Angeles County close to one-third of the full time workforce make less than $25,000 per year.
NFTE Greater L.A.'s approach is experiential. Students gain reinforcement in the basics of math, reading and writing, using our national award-wining textbook, in a way that connects these concepts to real-life situations and opportunities. Examples of hands-on, participatory activities include:
- Students participate in at least one wholesale/selling activity - either through fieldtrip or online
- Students interact with business professional(s) for assistance with creating business plans
- Students present their individual business plans before class
- Selected students participate in regional business plan competitions
- The top two students advance to compete in national competition
We target low income communities in Greater Los Angeles that have a high dropout rate. NFTE then creates a partnership with schools and visionary community leaders to offer our innovative programming to students. Teachers are selected to receive instruction in the NFTE curriculum and receive ongoing support through program staff and dedicated volunteers.
Our 2008-09 Program Sites:
Los Angeles Unified School District
Audubon Middle & Magnet Center
Bernstein High School
Crenshaw High School
Dorsey High School
Downtown Magment High School
Downey High School
Gardena High School
High Desert High School
John Muir High School
Manual Arts High School
South East High School
Washington Prep High School
West Adams High School
Inner City Education Foundation Charter Schools
Vist Academy
Soledad Enrichment Academies Charter Schools
SEA - Firestone
SEA - Girls Academy - Downtown
SEA - Hollywood
SEA - North Hills
SEA - Pacoima
Community Based Organizations
Boys & Girls Club of Oxnard and Port Hueneme
Los Angeles Urban League
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