OXNARD : Program Aims at School Dropouts

The board of the Oxnard Union High School District has given preliminary approval to a pilot program with the California Conservation Corps’ Camarillo Center to assist high-risk students and school dropouts in continuing their education.

Initially, the program, which is contingent on the availability of state funds, is expected to include about 30 students, ages 16 and 17, who dropped out of school last year, school officials said. The district reported this week that 404 students dropped out during the 1991-92 school year.

During the day, the youths will work in CCC crews on a number of environmental jobs, such as cleaning up oil spills and building or restoring hiking trails and flood-control channels.

At night and possibly on the job, the school district would provide classes in science, reading and mathematics aimed at helping youngsters earn their high school diploma whether they are in or out of school, said Gary Davis, assistant superintendent of educational services.

Participants in the rigorous yearlong corps program will be paid minimum wage, Davis said. More important, he said, their self-esteem will be raised and their skills improved, Davis said.

“The goal is to help students with a successful transition to employment,” he said. “We think it’s going to be a model program.”

Nacho Pina, administrator of the conservation corps’ Camarillo office, said the program is expected to cost about $600,000. He said the corps should learn next month whether it will obtain the needed funding.

If it does, the program will begin in January.

Davis said the district is still developing a system for selecting youngsters for the pilot project. He said high school dropouts will be given first priority, but high-risk students will also be considered.

Supt. Bill Studt said the program is not expected to cost the district any money and may generate funds by putting students back in the classroom. Districts receive money from the state based on student attendance.