ABC's of Dropout Prevention

Aug 30, 2011

MEBA and Midlands REC Host ABC's of Dropout Prevention: College and Career Readiness Showcase

Midlands Education and Business Alliance (MEBA) and the Midlands Regional Education Center partnered to present the ABC’s of Dropout Prevention: College and Career Readiness showcase in an ongoing effort to help reduce the state’s dropout rate.

Held on August 30, 2011, at Midlands Technical College Airport Campus, the event highlighted Midlands programs that address the ABC’s – Attendance issues, Behavior problems and Course difficulties – that often indicate a young person’s potential for dropping out. More than 120 K-12 educators, guidance personnel, school and agency social workers and community members from throughout South Carolina attended the event which included a featured presentation from Brooks Harper on the importance of staying in school and how to motivate today's students.

The event also included remarks from George Zara, chair of MEBA's Board of Directors; a presentation by Val Richardson, workforce development manager with Palmetto Health; and a panel discussion with representatives from various dropout prevention programs.  The panel was moderated by Dr. Sam Drew of the National Dropout Prevention Center.

Participants also were able to network with each other and talk one-on-one with program representatives about best practices. Featured programs included Bibleway Baptist of Church of Atlas Road, Blythewood High School, Richland Two’s CATE and Gear Up programs, the Nehemiah Project, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Midlands, City Year, Richland One's Excel Academy and Kuder.