Youth Communication: Topic

They Called Me a `Crack Baby'

When students discover he can’t read, Antwaun is teased and called a “crack baby.” (full text)

By the time Marcus enters a group home, he's given up on school. But when a staff member shows genuine interest in him, Marcus is inspired to start planning for his future. (full text)

Freshman Blues

Matthew became overwhelmed in college and decided to drop out. With a better sense of what it takes to succeed, he’s now back in school. (full text)

Party’s Over

Cristhians got hooked on hooky parties and fell behind in school. Eventually, she dropped out and got a job, only to realize she wanted much more for herself. (full text)

Don't Get Pushed Out!

Some New York City schools find ways to force low-performing students out, a widespread and illegal practice to improve test scores and graduation rates by any means possible. (full text)

Showing Up Is Half the Battle

About 40% of New York City teens missed at least a month of school in 2008-2009. Shahlo explores why the absence rate is so high. (full text)

From Slacker to Star Student

DeAnna's habit of cutting class finally catches up with her. She decides to transfer to a new school, but first she must prove that she's serious about starting over. (full text)

Partying, Parenthood, Boredom—Four Teens on Their Obstacles to Graduation

High school students discuss how they fell behind, and what they're doing to get back on track. (full text)

Many Ways to Graduate

New York City offers several different paths toward graduation. Here we explain some of them, including alternative schools and programs for pregnant teens. (full text)

Up From the Bottom

Asia quits high school and finds herself in a homeless shelter at age 18. Then she turns her life around. (full text)

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

Financial aid problems and a busy work schedule make Merli wonder if she should drop out.

And Still I Rise

Luis finds the motivation to go back to high school, but worries about his peers.

Motherhood Can Wait

Tangela’s mom has strict rules for her about sex, for a good reason. As a teen, she got pregnant and had to drop out of high school.

Thanks, I'll Do It Myself

In elementary school, Emily is teased, her creativity is stifled, and she is diagnosed with a learning disability. She drops out in junior high to pursue home schooling, and learns more in weeks than in years of traditional school.

Dropout Blues

Diana is a bookworm in the early grades but drops out when she gets to high school.

My First Semester: Overworked, Underpaid, and Unprepared

Troy enters college with great expectations, but ends up dropping out.

College Struggles

Otis has a difficult time adjusting to college his freshman year; he doesn't get his books until late in the semester and realizes his study skills are less than stellar. He flunks out, but vows to return to college. (full text)