Education ReConnection

Education ReConnection was established in 2007 on behalf of the Kalamazoo County Multi-Purpose Collaborative body to reconnect Kalamazoo County 16- to 19-year-olds who had dropped out of high school to educational opportunities that would enable them to complete a high school diploma, GED, and/or another certification.

To make these reconnections, Education ReConnection representatives contact youths who have dropped out of high school, assess their academic skills and goals, and help them develop a personalized educational plan that connects them with the existing Kalamazoo County program best suited to their needs. Each Education ReConnection participant is partnered with a volunteer mentor (professionally trained by Big Brothers Big Sisters) to provide consistent encouragement and support.

Education ReConnection is a collaborative effort of:

• Kalamazoo Community Foundation
• Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency
• Youth Opportunities Unlimited
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations
• Michigan Works/W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
• Greater Kalamazoo United Way
• Kalamazoo Youth Development Network
• Youth Advancement Academy