"I am convinced that teaching people the basics of our legal system will lead to more community involvement, which will in turn benefit not just the students, but their children and their entire community."
--Amanda DuBois
Legal Education Helps Students with Families Balance School and Home
Over 45% of all college undergraduates are in public 2-year institutions. The completion rate for community college students is 22% in any given year. Seventy-eight percent of students drop out every year.
Contrary to public perception, students do not drop out because of money. A recent Gates Foundation study discovered that 56% of students dropped out because they were unable to balance the demands of school and work. Teaching students how to cope with legal issues at home is one sure way to make sure they do not drop out of class to deal with these types of problems.
Students with families do not drop out of school because of funding, instead 53% of students drop out because of family commitments. In fact, unlike the stereotype of the traditional 4-year university student as young, single and without children, 23% of college students have dependent children.
Since 36% of all first marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, it is safe to assume that many students drop out in order to cope with divorce and child custody matters.
What can you do to stem the dropout tide in an era of funding based on student completion? You can educate your students in how to confidently navigate family legal issues so students can stay in school and move more smoothly through the transition of divorce.
Civil Survival offer legal education materials for faculty and staff who educate working and workforce training students. Students learn their legal rights and responsibilities before a problem arises. Use civil Survival to help your students live a more balanced – and successful – life.
