Alternative Routes to Graduation
Since 1973, Good Shepherd has worked in partnership with the New York City Department of Education to provide school-based programs and services for vulnerable young people to help them complete their education. Our work has grown as we have demonstrated great success with these young people, and as greater focus has been placed on the needs of students who are not succeeding in traditional settings.
We believe that every student can and will achieve at high levels, regardless of past performance. We help young people achieve success, not by teaching directly, but by helping to build supportive environments where they can learn. By surrounding students with the supports and services they need, we help them get their lives back on track to graduation and beyond.
Strength-Based Youth Development Approach
We believe that youth achieve positive outcomes through an approach that builds on their existing strengths, while also meeting adolescent developmental needs. We know that young people have what it takes to succeed, regardless of their situation, and we believe that our primary focus should be on promoting development rather than identifying and fixing problems. We recognize the importance of helping youth to build strong connections with caring adults, their peers, and the broader community. The more connections youth have, the less likely they are to fall through the cracks.
