Dropout Recovery Program (TEA):

The Dropout Recovery Program is designed to aid persons who have dropped out of Texas public high schools to prepare them for college.  Each individual selected for this program will work one-on-one with the teachers at The Austin Academy to prepare for the GED test and college-level courses.  The program is open to 20 students.  Each student will be expected to attend class daily to prepare for the GED.  Upon completion of the GED the students will continue to attend classes to prepare for the college entrance exams and the core curriculum at Austin Community College.  While attending classes, the students will also participate in informational sessions with professionals from ACC and other community agencies.  Upon acceptance to ACC, each student will enroll in one core-level course at ACC.  

Class Schedule
Classes will be available at the following times: 

• Full-time:  Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 4:15pm
• Part-Time:  Monday – Thursday, 5:30pm to 9:00pm 

Students are expected to attend class daily.  Alternate class schedules will be considered only on a case-by-case basis and must be requested in writing and approved by the Case Manager and Executive Director. 

Eligibility
The Austin Academy’s Dropout Recovery Program is funded by the Texas Education Agency and requires that each student selected for this program meet the following requirements: 

• Be between the ages of 18-25
• U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident
• Has officially dropped out of a Texas public middle or high school and is not currently enrolled in any public, charter, or home school
• Must score at a 7th grade level in Math and a 9th grade level in Reading on the Texas Adult Basic Education Test

 Incentives

• Students will earn a cash award of $20 for each GED OPT test that obtains a score of 500 or higher. There are five tests, which provide a possible total incentive of $100.  Students will receive this incentive after all tests receive a score of 500 or higher.
• Each student that earns a GED Certificate will be awarded $100. The Austin Academy will also pay the GED testing fee, which is $95.
• Students that earn a TSI exemption will receive a refurbished notebook computer including an XP operating system with Microsoft Office installed.
• Students that enroll in a three hour core class at Austin Community College, and are enrolling in a college class for the first time, will be eligible to have their tuition and books for that class paid by The Austin Academy.
• Students that complete three credits of a core class, and pass with a C or better, will be given a $1000 college scholarship for tuition and books as a reward for their hard work.