The Public Pulse: Finding a Second Chance Inside the Grad Solutions Dropout Recovery Program
By: 88.7 The Pulse Staff
Traditional high school is not the perfect fit for everyone. Whether it is a challenging learning environment, unexpected life trauma, or the lingering effects of the pandemic, many students find themselves slipping through the cracks. Dropping out does not mean the end of the road.
On the latest episode of the Public Pulse, Michael Mallace and EVIT student Wes Hamilton sat down with Rusty Shaffer to talk about Grad Solutions. Rusty is the Student Service Manager at the East Mesa Hub for Grad Solutions, a free dropout recovery program that is changing lives across Arizona.
More Than Just Online Classes
Grad Solutions offers a 100% online curriculum for students ages 16 through 21. However, what truly sets the program apart are its physical locations known as Hubs. There are currently seven Hubs in the Valley where students can find a welcoming community.
“The Mesa hub is in an abandoned mall on Power and Baseline, and the Phoenix hub is in an old bank,” Shaffer explained. These Hubs provide a safe space where students can access free tutoring, meet with mentors, and utilize a free food pantry and clothing closet. There are even parenting rooms so students with young children can study while their kids play safely nearby.
A Personal Success Story
Our very own Wes Hamilton knows the impact of Grad Solutions firsthand. During the interview, Wes shared how the shift to online learning during COVID-19 derailed his freshman year. Feeling overwhelmed, he dropped out.
“I sat on the sidelines until my mom found Grad Solutions,” Wes shared. Unlike the crowded virtual classrooms he previously experienced, Grad Solutions offered him a customized, self-paced approach. Within a year or two, Wes found his footing, discovered a passion for technology, and connected with EVIT.
Earning a Real Diploma
A major point of pride for Grad Solutions is that students do not leave with a GED. They earn a fully accredited Arizona high school diploma. The program is entirely self-paced, allowing students to integrate their education with jobs, volunteer hours, and personal responsibilities.
For older adults looking to finish their education, the organization also offers Smart Schools, a private-pay option for those 22 and older.
Listen to the Full Conversation
If you or someone you know is looking for a fresh start in their education, you will not want to miss this inspiring episode.
Tune in to hear the full story of how Grad Solutions is helping Arizona students cross the finish line. You can catch the Public Pulse every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM on 88.7 The Pulse, or listen anytime on demand at 887thepulse.com. Go to Listen Live / Podcasts / Public Pulse.
