Our Context

We believe that our societal challenges stem from well-documented, structural funding inequities among districts by racial comparison. For SLPS, this has commensurately produced profound inequities in accessing high-quality educational and socio-emotional resources due to lack of funding and focus.

We know that college- and career-readiness begins during pre-Kindergarten years. Early interventions are essential to post-secondary success. Research suggests that classroom-based Early Childhood Education (ECE) yield long-term benefits, including significant decreases in likelihood of special education placement, increased grade retention, and higher graduation rates (McCoy et al., 2017).

Nationally, only 68% of high school graduates immediately enroll in postsecondary institutions. Post-secondary education helps students to gain access to quality jobs, earn sustainable wages, feel a sense of economic security, and obtain career advancement opportunities (Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools).

6th-12 Grade Post-Secondary Opportunity

Investments in post-secondary readiness are essential to ensuring SLPS students and families are equipped with standards-based college and/or career-ready skills, exposures, and resources to be successful beyond high school completion.

  • Post-secondary programming is currently being implemented across the District.

    Programming includes:

    • ACT Prep Support

    • College Specialists

    • College Visit & Scholarship Fund

    • Early Childhood Education Curriculum

    • Early College Academy

    • ESOL

    • Graduation Assistance Fund

    • Senior Learn & Earn Program

    • Show Me The World Project

  • In partnership with Princeton Review, this programming provides ACT Prep training for teachers. Teachers receive the curriculum materials necessary to administer ACT Prep courses for students at high schools throughout the District.

  • ECA is a dual-enrollment program in partnership with Harris-Stowe State University and Saint Louis Community College-Forest Park that serves up to 115 students per year; funding supports ECA counselors, students' tuition and books, and other support resources.

  • The Graduation Assistance Funds provide emergency needs for high school students as they make their transition to college after graduation; funds are used for application fees, room & board expenses, and more.

  • The Learn & Earn Program places up to 600 SLPS juniors and seniors within a paid work placement/internship, giving them a concrete opportunity to work closely with St. Louis region employers and contribute to the collective effort of building a thriving region with a skilled workforce.

  • We partner with Show Me The World Project, a nonprofit organization that provides District students with experiential learning opportunities that introduce them to culturally diverse individuals and ways of life. This program provides students with immersive curriculum focusing on STEM, entrepreneurship, global competency, international travel, and leadership.