08.20.08

The Philadelphia School District yesterday threw open the doors of its new Re-Engagement Center, a one-stop spot that matches students who have left school with appropriate programs and services and provides support after they enroll.

Staffed by district and city personnel, the center not only focuses on academics, but also connects students with the social and emotional services whose absence might have caused them to leave school in the first place.

Once placed, students get 120 days of monitoring from a center staffer.

The office was begun with government and nonprofit donations, and the district has set aside $300,000 annually in permanent funding.