Monday was the first day of school for kids in Fresno, the Valley's largest school district/ It was also back to school day for some adults.
Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin too the opportunity to encourage parents to enroll in the city's Learn 2 Earn program.
Students at all Fresno Unified schools participated in a program where they pledged to graduate. They wore stickers with their graduation year and many took the message home to their parents that it's never too late to get an education.
As students headed back to school, some parents prepared for a fresh start. "I was job searching and came across this program said," Myra Mendez, a Learn 2 Earn participant. The program helps educate adults about back to school programs with a simple call to the phone number 211.
Mayor Swearengin visited Ewing Elementary on Monday and proudly announced that 10 adults have graduated since the program launched in April. "The number one determination of a child's success in school is the level of education of that child's parents," said Mayor Swearengin.
Sick of sending out resumes, Mendez decided to continue her education in hopes of starting a career in medical billing. "You are either looking for a job or just did seasonal or anything else it's very hard to find one," said Mendez.
The mayor's program targets adults who have dropped out of college or high school.
Fresno Unified's graduate rate stands at 70% and Ewing Elementary principal Lisa Shipman believes the district can increase the number by promoting graduation. "The actions they take now and the plans they make will lead them into the high school graduation and them able to choose a college upon their high school graduation," said principal Shipman.
Click the related link for more information on Learn 2 Earn or call 211.
