High school graduation

Overview

High school graduates are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, experience better health outcomes, and less likely to be incarcerated than individuals without a high school diploma. A high school diploma is also generally a prerequisite for post-secondary education, workforce training, and high-quality employment.

High school graduation can be improved by education, health, workforce development, and justice strategies, but factors like family stability and community supportiveness also influence outcomes.

Evidence-based strategies

Academic and/or enrichment programming for children outside of school hours
K-12 education
Publicly funded, privately operated schools that seek to use greater autonomy to improve student outcomes
K-12 education
Hiring, training, and retaining effective and high-quality teachers and school leaders
K-12 education Post-secondary education and workforce development
Helping students build the skills they need to read and write at grade level
K-12 education
Helping K-12 students develop math skills, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities
K-12 education
Improving school attendance, supporting students at risk of dropping out, and creating alternative paths to high school graduation
K-12 education
Creating safe, productive school and classroom environments for all students
K-12 education
Positioning students to be physically and emotionally ready to learn
K-12 education Health and well-being
Academic and enrichment programming to help students prepare for the next school year
K-12 education
Paid short-term employment and internships for high school students during the summer
K-12 education Post-secondary education and workforce development