Grand Rapids trying to get high school dropouts back in the classroom

A new program launching this fall in Grand Rapids will try to help high school dropouts earn both their high school diplomas and some college credit.  The program is a joint effort of Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Rapids Community College. 

College president Steven Ender says they’re reaching out to 16 to 19 year olds who otherwise would have a hard time finding a future in Michigan’s economy.  

“Without a high school degree and some postsecondary credentials it’s going to be really difficult to sustain a financially sustainable lifestyle...for an individual and his or her family.”  

Officials hope to enroll more than a hundred students in the program this fall.

Grand Rapids public schools has a dropout rate of 22 percent.