In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the success of a peer mentoring program aimed at supporting at-risk students across multiple educational levels. The initiative, which involved high school students mentoring younger peers in seven elementary schools, has reportedly led to increased engagement and attendance among both groups. The program, which began as a pilot, is set to expand in the upcoming school year, with plans to include middle schools as well.

Collaboration with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has also been a key component, where students of color from the university engaged with West High School students to discuss college and career pathways. This partnership has shown promising results, with notable increases in attendance on days when these mentoring sessions occurred.

Officials emphasized the importance of adapting educational support services to meet the diverse needs of students, including those who may not fit the traditional definition of at-risk. They acknowledged the pressures faced by Advanced Placement (AP) students and expressed a commitment to providing necessary support for all students.

The meeting also addressed the proactive measures taken to improve attendance among students identified as at-risk. A summer field trip organized for eighth graders struggling with attendance resulted in improved school attendance rates for those participants.

Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to fostering community involvement and enhancing educational opportunities, particularly in STEM fields for female students. The officials expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to close graduation gaps and improve student outcomes, reflecting a comprehensive approach to educational support.