Why was the New Start Program created?

The White Center area of unincorporated King County is one of the most diverse and impoverished areas in the State's most populous county. White Center has a high student dropout rate and is a high-crime area. This proven program provides a "New Start" for local youth seeking positive opportunities.

What is New Start?

New Start is a holistic program that includes an alternative education program, as well as employment readiness, work experience, leadership development, career exploration and case management services.

What effect is New Start having on crime by young people the White Center area?

It has been proven that New Start interventions result in decreased crime and increased pro-social behavior in youth. New Start youth provide many hours of community improvement "earn and learn" projects during the year.

Who is Eligible?

• High School drop-outs or potential drop-outs
• Must live in King County (in the White Cente area)

How many pupils are in the program?

Approximately 50 youth are enrolled in the Education Program each quarter.

How many New Start youth have graduated from high school?

From 2001 - 2003, 36% of New Start Education Program students returned to mainstream high school or earned their GED (general equivalency diploma).

How many New Start youth have obtained jobs?

50 youth participate in paid work experience annually.

What does the New Start Program do?

New Start provides and coordinates a community-driven network of services for youth. The program provides assessment and evaluation, individualized case management, an alternative education program, life skills training, and employment services. It also links youth and their families with other resources in the community. New Start has a community advisory board and positive working relationships with law enforcement, local businesses, community groups, and other organizations serving youth and families.

What does the school offer?

The New Start Alternative Education Program is funded and operated by the Highline School District. Case management for all students is provided by King County Superior Court, King County Work Training Program and SafeFutures Youth Center staff housed at the New Start Program. The emphasis of the education program is high school credit recovery and dropout prevention for youth who have been disconnected from the mainstream education system. The classroom curriculum includes Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Computer Education, Life Skills, Anger Management, Diversified Occupations, and GED preparation.

Does New Start help young people in legal difficulties?

Yes, about 1/3 of New Start students have legal issues. New Start case managers provide court advocacy and collaborate with juvenile probation officers. New Start has shown significantly stronger positive effects on reducing youth involvement in the juvenile justice system compared to standard probation and community support services. This means that youth involved in New Start programs are less likely to re-offend and/or spend time in a juvenile detention facility.

How are participants selected?

Youth are referred by Highline Schools and New Start program community partners. Many clients also hear about the program through friends and family.

How is it staffed?

New Start is operated by a multi-system partner consortium and staffed by case managers from King County Superior Court, King County Work Training Program and SafeFutures Youth Center. Administration and program management is provided by King County Work Training Program. Highline School District provides three classroom teachers. College interns and graduate students volunteer in the classroom and after school.

What is a typical day like for a New Start pupil?

School starts at 9a.m., with students convening in the main classroom; morning classes are math, language arts, and diversified occupations; afternoon classes are social studies, art, computer education, anger management, and life skills. Students stay in the main classroom for lecture and large group discussions and work independently in one of three computer labs. Approximately half of New Start students stay at the Center for after school activities such as tutoring and homework, job readiness activities, health education classes, leadership and discussion groups, or other supervised activities.

What are its facilities?

The program is located at the New Start Center, 11216 16th Avenue SW in White Center. The classroom, teacher offices, and one computer lab are located on the ground floor. Upstairs are two additional computer labs, case manager offices, full kitchen and main meeting area that is also used for after school activities and large community meetings.

How is the program funded?

The program is funded through a partnership between the King County Work Training Program, Highline School District, Workforce Development Council, and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Find out more about New Start here.

Updated: July 20, 2007

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