About the Intervention
12 for Life is a program for high school students at high risk of dropping out that provides a rigorous STEM curriculum combined with on-the-job training, work/life skills development, mentoring, and paid employment opportunities. Students attend a modern, fully-equipped manufacturing plant and learning community where they hold paid apprenticeships at a Southwire satellite plant while continuing their education. The program features low teacher-student (1:10) and supervisor-student (1:12) ratios, multiple classroom and work shift options from 8 AM to 9:30 PM five days per week year-round, and support services including tutoring, mentoring, work supervision, and an Academic Counselor who provides individualized assistance. Students must be at least 16 years old, have earned sufficient credits to enter 10th grade, pass a drug screen, and demonstrate high need based on a selection rubric assessing dropout risk factors.
Statistical Findings
No effect: on grade point average
No effect: on suspensions
No effect: on school dropout
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Economically Disadvantaged, Drop-OutsPrograms & Services
Career and Technical Education, Student retention / Dropout PreventionDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
Dowell, K. & Olivia, S. (2018). Impact Evaluation of "12 for Life": Better Lives through Education and Employment (ED584161). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED584161.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Participant Race
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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