Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program
Dropout Prevention

The Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program offers secondary school students who are considered at risk of dropping out the opportunity to serve as tutors in elementary schools. By having these at-risk students serve as tutors, the program aims to improve their basic academic skills and self-esteem, with the goal of keeping them enrolled in school. Participants tutor elementary school students four days a week during regular school hours and receive minimum wage for their efforts. Once a week, they attend a class that teaches tutoring, reading, and problem-solving skills. In addition, participants go on field trips to educational sites and professional settings. They also attend sessions led by adults who have been successful in their careers and are from backgrounds that are similar to those of the students.