Students at risk of dropping out of school
Students at risk of dropping out of school are individuals who show early warning signs of disengagement and face significant barriers to completing their education. These students may:
Struggle academically, with low grades, poor test scores, or learning difficulties
Have high absenteeism or chronic tardiness
Lack support at home, such as stable housing, food security, or parental involvement
Experience mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, or trauma
Face social challenges, such as bullying, peer pressure, or a lack of belonging
Come from underserved or marginalized communities, where systemic inequities create fewer educational opportunities
Have responsibilities outside of school, like caring for siblings or working to support their family
Feel disconnected from school culture, curriculum, or teachers, which affects motivation and engagement
Identifying and supporting these students early—with strong relationships, relevant curriculum, mentorship, and wellness resources—can make a big difference in keeping them on track to graduate.
🌱 How Upward Together Can Support Students at Risk of Dropping Out
1. Foster Belonging Through Creative Expression
Many students who feel disconnected from school thrive in spaces where they can express themselves without judgment. Upward Together’s art workshops, live painting sessions, and affirmation deck projects give students a voice and a sense of ownership over their story.
2. Provide Mindfulness Tools to Manage Stress and Trauma
Chronic stress and trauma often go hand-in-hand with academic disengagement. Through mindfulness lounges, silent discos, and binaural beat sound healing, Upward Together offers calming experiences that help regulate emotions, increase focus, and build inner resilience.
3. Build Confidence and Self-Worth
Using affirmations, moon-aligned goal-setting (like the Lunar Flow sessions), and peer connection circles, students can rebuild a sense of possibility and purpose—especially important when they’ve internalized failure or self-doubt.
4. Offer Safe, Phone-Free Spaces for Connection
Creating tech-free environments during events and workshops helps students stay present, reduce anxiety, and engage more deeply with peers and mentors. It also supports equity by leveling the playing field for students who don’t have access to the latest tech.
5. Strengthen Relationships with Positive Adult Mentors
Many students at risk feel invisible. Upward Together provides consistent, caring mentorship through facilitators and artists who reflect their communities and model empathy, growth, and creativity.
6. Collaborate with Schools and Families
Upward Together can partner with local schools, libraries, and families to bring community-based experiences (like mindfulness hikes, art installations, or weekend retreats) that strengthen the support system around each student.
7. Empower Through Purposeful Events
From youth-led art auctions to community wellness festivals, students can take on leadership roles and contribute to causes that matter to them—developing real-world skills and a sense of pride.