Indianapolis - The struggle for thousands of Indiana high school students to graduate is even more of a battle for teens who face issues at home that distract them from their classwork. One program is helping steer at-risk students to a diploma.
Ebony Peck has come a long way since her freshman year.
"The lowest point for me is when is when I didn't have a care, when I didn't care about going to school, going to college, and failing my freshman year," said Ebony.
That was four years ago. In that time, she's switched schools twelve times as her family moved around the Midwest. But life settled down for her at the Decatur Enrichment Center thanks to a program called Jobs for America's Graduates.
"Life is glitter and gold. Everything's better," said Ebony, smiling.
The program focuses on critical thinking, leadership and communication skills. More than 2,000 students at 47 Indiana High Schools take part.
The Jobs for America's Graduates program started more than thirty years ago and came to Decatur Enrichment Center two years ago.
For Ebony, it was just in time.
"My academic career is going good. I got accepted into a college, so everything's going well since I got over here," she said.
"I think we kind of help spark their fire. To let them know they can succeed. They can reach their dreams," said Alexis Siamis, teacher.
Upon graduation, students receive one year of follow-up counseling. The program has a 90 percent graduation rate and many of these students go on to college or a trade school.
For Ebony Peck, she's now headed to state competition this week as one of the best students in the program. Her achievement even attracted the attention of Sen. Richard Lugar, who sent her a letter of congratulations.
"It was a big deal. My mom says, 'oh, let's put it in the picture frame.' She was just really excited and happy," said Ebony.
Ebony now plans on attending Vincennes University to focus on a degree in culinary arts.
Learn more about Jobs for America's Graduates
