ELECT program for teen parents provides academic, social supports

To the editors:

Your Fall 2005 edition on out-of-school youth mentioned the ELECT (Education Leading to Employment and Career Training) program, a partnership between the state Departments of Education and Welfare that works to aid pregnant and parenting teens in completing high school and becoming self-sufficient adults. A little more background information on the program might be helpful.

Communities In Schools of Philadelphia, Inc. (CISP) has administered ELECT in partnership with the School District since 1993. CISP is the local affiliate of the largest stay-in-school network in the nation, celebrating its 20th anniversary in Philadelphia. Its mission is to “champion the connection of needed community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school, and prepare for life.”

In 2002-03, the ELECT program became the ELECT/Cradle to Classroom (CTC) program by adding an additional home visiting component utilizing a child development curriculum. In 2004-2005, 27 ELECT sites across the state collectively reported that 75 percent of seniors who were eligible to graduate completed their high school education by June of that year; in Philadelphia 98 percent of eligible seniors graduated in their final year. There are reams of amazing success stories and outcomes throughout the years.

The ELECT/CTC program depends on community support to help pregnant and parenting teens receive the academic and social supports they need. With more support for effective school-based programs like ELECT, students like Stephanie Jackson (GED student featured in the Fall 2005 issue) might have a different story to tell. For more information on CISP and ELECT/Cradle to Classroom, call 267-386-4600.

Jennifer M. Pitt
ELECT Manager
Communities In Schools of Philadelphia, Inc.