Back on Track Designs Model: Pathways Through Postsecondary
Key Elements and Operational Features
Across the nation, millions of young people have either dropped out of school or are not making progress toward high school graduation. The majority of these young people obtain a high school credential — in almost all cases a GED certificate — and close to half of those enroll in postsecondary education. Yet despite their persistence, a college degree or credential remains an elusive goal. Only 5 percent of all youth and adult GED completers go on to earn a postsecondary credential.
Jobs for the Future has developed a Back on Track: Pathways Through Postsecondary model to drive growth and scale in this emerging field of practice. The model draws on lessons learned in JFF's work with innovative diploma and GED-granting programs, districts, intermediaries, and networks that support many of them, and a decade of JFF's work developing and scaling up early college high schools for low-income, first-generation college goers.
Back on Track models are the next generation of alternative schools and programs, designed to prepare off-track and out-of-school youth for college and career success. JFF's Back on Track school design incorporates three phases:
Back on Track schools offer rich academic preparation and a clear path to college, supporting young people who have fallen off track from graduation or dropped out to reengage and achieve their postsecondary ambitions.
