The Florida Senate

228.503  Dropout reentry and mentor project.--

(1)  There is created a dropout reentry and mentor project to be coordinated on a pilot basis by the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University National Alumni Association. The project will be implemented in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and Miami.

(2)  The project shall identify 15 black students in each location who have dropped out of high school but were not encountering academic difficulty when they left school. Students chosen to participate may not have a high school diploma, be enrolled in an adult general education program which includes a GED program, an adult high school, or be enrolled in a vocational-technical school. Students may be employed but must be able to adjust their work schedules to accommodate classes and project sessions. Priority must be given to students who have dropped out of school within the last 3 years.

(3)  In identifying participants, the following factors must be considered:

(a)  The student's performance in school before dropping out;

(b)  The student's performance on aptitude and achievement tests;

(c)  The student's desire to reenter school.

(4)  In each of the four locations, the project shall identify 15 high-achieving minority students to serve as one-on-one mentors to the students who are being reentered in school. An alumnus of Bethune-Cookman College, Florida Memorial College, Edward Waters College, or Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University shall be assigned to each pair of students. Student mentors and alumni must serve as role models and resource people for the students who are being reentered in school.

(5)  Selected project participants shall be evaluated and enrolled in a GED program, regular high school, vocational school, or alternative school. In conjunction with school guidance personnel, project staff shall design a supplemental program to reinforce basic skills, provide additional counseling, and offer tutorial assistance. Weekly, project staff shall monitor students' attendance, performance, homework, and attitude toward school.

(6)  The project shall use tests to identify students' interests and academic weaknesses. Based on the test results, an individualized study program shall be developed for each reentry student.

(7)  The 15 alumni at each location must meet with their assigned reentry students and high achievers, together, at least once per week. All reentry students must meet as a group at least once per week for structured, organized activities which include instruction in test-taking skills, positive attitude, coping, study habits, budgeting time, setting goals, career choices, homework assistance, and conflict resolution.

(8)  Followup interviews with both the reentry students and high achievers must be conducted after 1 year to determine the project's impact.

History.--s. 11, ch. 90-365.