I heard Chicago has a rule where you have to commit to entering the military or going to college in order to graduate from high school... Is that true? How does that affect students in their junior or senior year? I would really appreciate if you guys could share your experiences on this or provide some direction on how to research this. Thanks a bunch!
Indeed, Chicago became the first large U.S. city to make post-secondary plans a graduation requirement in 2017. The policy – 'Learn.Plan.Succeed' – aims to ensure every student graduating from a Chicago public high school has a concrete post-secondary plan before receiving their diploma.
The initiative requires students to present an acceptance to either a four-year university, a community college, a trade school/apprenticeship, a gap year program, or a branch of the armed services. A job offer or participation in a job program can also satisfy this requirement.
To support this effort, the schools offer a great deal of resources to guide students in shaping their future plans. This assistance includes guidance from dedicated college & career counselors and access to a range of sessions, fairs and workshops. Existing initiatives such as senior seminar classes and college/career visits also play a significant role.
It's important to note that this plan isn't punitive. If a student doesn't meet the requirement, they're not denied a diploma. The aim is to ensure students are prepared for life beyond high school with a well-thought out plan, giving them better odds of success.
If you're looking to research in more depth, the best way would be to reach out to the schools directly or check the Chicago Public Schools' website. You can also discuss this with your school counselor for more individualized advice.
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