The DC ReEngagement Center (REC) is a “single door” through which youth ages 16-24 who are not enrolled in school can reconnect to educational options and other critical services to support their attainment of a high school diploma or GED. Safety protocols are posted and sanitizing stations are in place for everyone’s safety. Please note that masks are required and we are staggering office visits with scholars and partners to maintain safe social distancing practice. Please contact our office at (202) 671-2539 to schedule your visit with a specialist today. Let’s get back on track!
Contact Us:
- Visit BackOnTrack.OSSE.DC.gov to
- Chat
- Submit a referral
- Check staff contact information
- Call us! Reach out to us at (202) 671-2539.
- Follow us on social media! Twitter - @DCReEngagement | Instagram - @DCReEngagment | Facebook - DC ReEngagement Center
For general information, please email [email protected] and a REC staff member will be available to answer any questions.
Overview
The DC ReEngagement Center (REC) is a “single door” through which youth ages 16-24 who have dropped out of secondary school can reconnect to educational options and other critical services to support their attainment of a high school diploma. OSSE opened the REC in fall 2014 with strong support from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, the Department of Employment Services, Raise DC’s Disconnected Youth Change Network, schools, community-based organizations, and other key partner agencies.
Description of Services
Services provided by the DC REC include conducting targeted outreach to students who have dropped out, as well as engaging walk-ins and referrals; assessing academic status and non-academic needs of youth and using this information to help them develop personalized reengagement plans; identifying good-fit educational options (including DCPS alternative schools, public charter schools, and community-based organizations); supporting the reenrollment process (e.g., collecting required documents, accompanying youth on-site visits, connecting to resources that will address reconnection barriers); and providing ongoing support for at least one year once re-enrolled.
The DC REC also conducts intakes at scheduled colocations.
Goals
- To support students who have dropped out of high school by connecting them to services that address barriers to returning to school and reconnecting them to “best fit” secondary credentialing options.
- To increase the number of disconnected youth who are re-enrolled in educational programs through the REC and who persist and eventually attain their high school diploma.
Eligibility
- Age: 16-24 years old
- Residence: DC resident, ward of DC, or classified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- Education: No high school diploma or GED, and not currently enrolled in school
Background
As of 2016, there were over 8,000 youth (ages 16-24) residing in the District of Columbia who are not enrolled in school or other educational programs and who do not have a high school diploma or credential. In response to this need, the District established a Re-Engagement Center to serve as a “single-door” through which youth (ages 16-24) who have dropped out can reconnect back to educational options and other critical services to support their attainment of a high school diploma or GED. As of 2020, this number has fallen to over 6,800.
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