In our technologically advanced world, education is now more than ever, the essential component for a brighter future. Unfortunately, the truth of this statement is lost on millions of students who drop out of school. Moreover, there is no avoiding this real life lesson, which many dropouts learn too late. Without education, young people are severely handicapped in their search for decent employment opportunities and a fulfilling life.

In 1999, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that approximately 481,000 or 4.5 percent of all high school students ages 14 to 23, dropped out of grades 10 through 12. In addition, approximately 3.4 million students in the United States around the same time had not completed high school, and were not enrolled in school. This figure represents 11 percent of all age groups. Four in ten dropouts said that they left school because they were failing or they did not like school. Just as many females as males reported leaving school because of personality conflicts with teachers. More males than females dropped out because of school suspension or expulsion.

Dropping out of school can have a profound impact on children. Young people who are not educated will very likely lack the adequate skills to secure employment and become self-sufficient adults. For example, in 1998 approximately 63 percent of high school dropouts were unemployed. Those who were employed were often on the low end of pay scale, without employee benefits or job security.

These statistics are sobering in view of the reality of today's workplace which requires enhanced technological skills and the ability to embark on careers that require lifelong learning. Without skills and training that schooling should provide, those who do not complete their education face a lifetime of limited opportunities - or even worse, they choose a life of delinquency and crime.

A substantial number of our participants coming through CASES, New York City's oldest and largest alternative-to-incarceration program, have limitations in reading, writing, mathematics and communication skills. In addition, participants come with uncovered motivational and emotional barriers. However, the Education Unit of which I am a member has demonstrated that having a peaceful learning environment where young people feel welcome, safe, respected, and secure can encourage them to take risks with regard to improving their skills.

We have been able to uncover participants' anxieties and ease their embarrassment regarding their inability to read and write. We have nurtured and challenged them to a higher academic and social standard. Through effective instruction, we have been able to uncover their strengths in reading, writing, mathematics and communication. This has increased their self-esteem and confidence. To accomplish these goals, the Education Unit links classroom instruction to participants' experiences and this practice has been an effective tool in empowering our youth. Teachers assist participants in seeing the relationship between what they learn in class and their out of school lives. We believe that to reach our young people it is essential to use real life experiences, folk knowledge, and stories. In addition, participants are encouraged to work together, support each other, and study collaboratively. Our goal in the Education Unit is to inspire participants to work hard, respect each other and the staff. Above all, we aim to make their learning experience relevant, interesting, and rewarding. Usually teachers enter a classroom with the following in mind:

-They must manage a classroom, instead of taking time to correct inappropriate behavior.

-They know that it becomes impossible to discipline or teach participants unless they believe that a teacher cares and is respectful.

-They believe that our young people are perfectly capable of performing at high academic levels and do not accept the statement ÒI cannot do this.Ó

-They set a tone for learning and remain consistent from day to day.

We recognize that our participants' success is a team effort that cannot be achieved without the constant support and effort of case managers, court representatives, employment counselors, art therapists, social workers, and many more people. Our joint contribution as a Unit makes it possible to the tap the potential of our young people who are neglected. Through this collaborative work, we have been able to nurture each participant's potential to become a successful and contributing member of society. Each young person who comes through CASES deserves the opportunity to demonstrate that he or she is capable of success.