There are 20,000 young people in King County, 16 to 24 years old, who left high school without a diploma and don’t have a stable job. More than half are youth of color.

Young people leave high school and disconnect from their education for many reasons. 

In an education system that was largely designed for white, middle-class students, racial inequities, like disproportionate discipline rates or students not seeing themselves in their teachers (most teachers are white), create numerous barriers to success for students of color. 

Some students don’t get the support they need to succeed academically. Some miss too many days because they don’t have a stable home. Some get jobs to help support their families. Whatever the reason, their chances for success plummet when their education stalls.

Reconnecting Youth is a coordinated, community-wide approach to helping these young people complete their education and achieve viable career paths.

How It Works

Flexible schedules and targeted support are what help make this program successful. Staff and partners provide some variation in style, fit and location, so that if one approach doesn’t work, participants can try another.

Success to Date

Through Reconnecting Youth, every year thousands of young people are getting their education back on track.

Our Goal

Our goal is to engage half of the 20,000 eligible teens and young adults in King County. Helping these young people get back on track will transform lives and our community.

Reconnecting Youth Honor Roll

With support from these generous donors, we are helping young people reach high school completion, access post secondary education and get on a stable career path.

More programs related to helping students graduate:

• Child Nutrition

• Home Grocery Delivery Program

• College Completion

• Early Learning