CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University's National Dropout Prevention Center/Network and Clemson Broadcast Productions will help the U.S. Department of Education analyze and enhance rural dropout prevention efforts in 15 states.
Under a subcontract to Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG), the Clemson entities will analyze the states' dropout prevention needs and develop solutions and resources for state education departments and school districts. The project will focus on states with a high percentage of schools in rural and remote areas, including Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded a contract to Manhattan Strategy Group to fund the work over a two-year period.
The National Dropout Prevention Center/Network will support the project's needs assessment process, help develop dropout prevention tools and products and assist the states. Clemson Broadcast Productions will observe and film the dropout prevention work in each state and produce 15 documentary videos to be used by the U.S. Department of Education to train rural educators in all of the states.
"The funding will allow the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network and Clemson Broadcast Productions to support Clemson's national public service goals and address the nation's dropout prevention crisis," said Sandy Addis, associate director of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, who will work with Eric Rodgers, interim director of Clemson Broadcast Productions, on the project.
"A number of university-based and other dropout prevention organizations aggressively sought award of this contract," Addis said. "The selection of MSG and two Clemson-based organizations for this work is a tribute to Clemson's commitment to national public service."
"MSG has a history of successful partnerships to deliver best-in-class solutions to the U.S. Department of Education," said Shezad Habib, managing partner of Manhattan Strategy Group. "The National Dropout Prevent Center/Network and Clemson Broadcast Productions bring unique and proven capabilities that further our mutual goals in dropout prevention."
National Dropout Prevent Center/Network
The mission of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network is to increase high school graduation rates through research and evidenced-based solutions. Since inception, the National Dropout Prevention/Network has worked to improve opportunities for all young people to fully develop the academic, social, work, and healthy life skills needed to graduate from high school and lead productive lives. By promoting awareness of successful programs and policies related to dropout prevention, the work of the Network and its members has made an impact on education from the local to the national level.
Clemson University
Ranked No. 21 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit, and a competitive drive to excel.