National Dropout Prevention Month
National Dropout Prevention Month focuses on keeping students in school. It unites parents, teachers, and community members to support education.
Position your organization as a partner in student success by showcasing tutoring, mentoring, or career-tech programs that keep students engaged and on track during National Dropout Prevention Month.
- Feature success stories of students who stayed in school through mentoring or career-tech programs
- Create downloadable resources (posters, bookmarks) that schools and families can share to raise awareness
- Host a virtual or in-person event bringing together educators, parents, and community partners to discuss dropout prevention strategies
- Highlight data-driven early intervention tools that help schools identify at-risk students before they disengage
National Dropout Prevention Month grew from the work of people who wanted to help students finish school.
In 1986, a group led by Esther Ferguson met in New York to talk about the rising number of students leaving before graduation.
They partnered with Clemson University to create the National Dropout Prevention Center.
This new center focused on sharing proven methods, training educators, and supporting communities in keeping young people in class.
Over time, the center expanded into the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network. Its mission stayed the same, but its reach widened.
It became a national source for research, tools, and strategies to help schools reduce dropout rates.
The group worked with teachers, parents, and local leaders to build programs that addressed the needs of students facing challenges.
In 2016, the center joined with National Day Calendar® to create an official awareness month.
They wanted a dedicated time each year to draw public attention to the issue and highlight ways to prevent students from leaving school early.
Today, National Dropout Prevention Month continues to connect communities, share ideas, and encourage action that can change the course of a student’s life.
Offer Tutoring or Mentoring
Connect a caring adult or peer with a student who needs extra help. Tutoring boosts skills fast. Mentoring builds trust and belonging through one‑on‑one support. Both approaches rank high among core strategies for keeping students engaged and on track.
Promote Career and Technical Learning
Suggest students explore hands‑on classes like robotics, healthcare, or IT. Career‑tech programs help students stay motivated in school and create stronger ties to future goals.
Host Resource Drives
Share useful tools like bookmarks, posters, or online graphics within your circle. These simple aids help spread awareness of dropout prevention and encourage conversations.
Rally Family Involvement
Invite caregivers into the conversation. Ask them to check on attendance or offer homework help. Family engagement remains the most reliable predictor of student success.
Use Data to Help Early
Gather basic facts on attendance or behavior patterns. Early detection of warning signs lets people step in before trouble deepens. Schools that act earlier help more students stay enrolled.
Build Support Networks
Team up with local partners—libraries, clubs, or civic groups—to offer extra help like after‑school space or programs. Community ties strengthen the safety net and show kids that people care.