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For many young people between the ages of 16 and 21 who have already had a brush with the criminal justice system, traditional school is just a bad memory. And yet without a high school diploma, the likelihood that these young people will successfully turn their lives around is remote.

In response to this educational need within the growing population of juveniles with a criminal record, Safer Foundation pioneered an innovative peer teaching methodology. In this active and inclusive environment young people help each other develop the skills needed to obtain a GED under the guidance of trained facilitators.

The classroom is treated as if it is a workplace, where students are expected to show up on time, attend every day and focus on the tasks at hand. Here, education is made relevant to the real world by focusing on problem-solving abilities and workplace expectations.

At the conclusion of an intensive 8-week session, students have the opportunity to take the GED exam and Safer staff assures that all students move on to their appropriate next step-whether that be college, vocational training or a job. All students have the benefit of a Safer Intensive Case Manager who follows students for one to two years after their class session has ended.

Safer Foundation also received accreditation as an official GED test site, allowing students to take the exam at the same location where they attend classes.

Locations

• West Loop Learning Center
  609 West Adams Street
  Chicago, IL 60661
  Tel: (312) 575-3271
  Fax: (312) 627-1624
• Safer Rock Island
  925 - 14th Street
  (Hope House)
  Rock Island, IL 61201
  Tel: (309) 283-0156
  Fax: (309) 283-0159
• Safer Davenport, c/o the Center
  1411 Brady Street
  Davenport, IA 52803
  Tel: (563) 322-7002
  Fax: (563) 884-8263

• News & Views
  • > What is the Value of a GED to Dropouts Who Pursue the Credential? (2002)