Teacher pounds pavement for students

MOBILE, Ala. - High school dropouts are given a second chance to earn a diploma with a new program. Now they're canvassing neighborhoods, looking for more teens to extend the opportunity towards.

Jamichael Hollins walks Lexington Street with a purpose. This high school drop out dropped back in, and wants others to do the same.

"Without your high school diploma, it's going to be hard our here in life. So, I'm just trying to put the message out and be positive," shared Hollins.

Hollins left school early, but he hasn't given up on a getting his diploma. The 18-year-old enrolled in the "Drop Back In Program" designed for teens just like him, from 17 to 21-years-old.

There are more than 600 people have already signed up, but that doesn't stop Hollins from going door-to-door looking for more. Cara Harris, a 21-year-old mother of three, found a flyer and made her way here.

"Since some employment won't take GED, so we need high school diploma to get a good job," said Harris.

Richard Lockett is already a student. Lockett moved to Mobile six months ago from Birmingham, and failed to register for school. So, he joined the program.

"Mainly, I wasn't doing anything else with my life and I got tired of it. And I want to motivate myself to go to the top and do something with my life," added Lockett.

Once Lockett earns his diploma, he wants to study the culinary arts.

The program helps students make the transition to a college or a trade school. There are nine places set up like the one at Mt. Olive for kids that weren't successful in a traditional school.

"We also help the economy, because we lease buildings that were vacant. We provide the transportation and employe certified teachers," said Chief Marketing Officer J. Vincent Brown.

Brown, a former school teacher, is passionate about the program. Main recruiter Robert Safford is as well. Safford walks the streets with his students, looking for others.

"These kids deserve this chance. I walked the entire Roger Williams Housing Community on Saturday and Sunday, looking for kids to help," said Safford. "I don't work on Saturdays or Sundays."

The Drop Back In Program is considered a part of the Mobile County Public School system. Kids can earn all the required credits, without all of the distractions. A one-of-a-kind a setting, for kids who need one on one attention.

Instructors are certified teachers. Many have retired from the Mobile County Public School System.

For more information on the Drop Back In program, please call 251-209-3060, or click here.