Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP)

The Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP) is a comprehensive, intensive case management and mentoring program designed to help at-risk high school students graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary education or training. The program targets youth with low grades entering high schools with high dropout rates, serving them year-round for five years from ninth grade through the year after scheduled graduation. QOP provides case management and mentoring (with approximately 15-25 enrollees per case manager), supplemental education (including tutoring and computer-assisted instruction), developmental activities (life skills and employment-readiness training), community service activities, supportive services (such as snacks, transportation assistance, child care, health services), and financial incentives (stipends of approximately $1.25 per hour for participation, with matching amounts deposited in accrual accounts). The program model prescribes an annual participation goal of 750 hours for each enrollee who has not graduated. Enrollees remain eligible for services regardless of behavior or status changes (such as transferring schools, dropping out, or becoming incarcerated). After graduation, enrollees receive limited services including mentoring and assistance with enrolling in postsecondary education or training through the end of the fifth year.