From 1998 to 2008, the HSA provided 724 students in grades 11 and 12 with real-world experiential learning opportunities under the guidance of a professional who mentored students for one school semester. During this 10-year period, 423 high students from Narbonne High School the contributed a total of 62,998 paid hours after school supporting community- and county-based human services agencies. And, students from Huntington Park High School contributed 42,366.9 paid hours. Students from both high schools provided a total of 105,365 paid hours and the equivalent of 53 full-time staff. Work-based learning was a key motivator that contributed to enhancing student success.
During this 10-year period, HSA students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 were consistent in their school attendance staying within 93 to 95% among both schools. Additionally, overall GPAs were stronger among HSA students compared to non-HSA students. For instance, HSA students from Narbonne High School had an overall GPA of 2.50 compared to non-HSA students’ 2.28 GPA from 1998 to 2000. Along similar lines, HSA students from Huntington Park High School had an overall 2.41 GPA to an overall 2.16 GPA from non-HSA students. In regards to the percentage of HSA students graduating on time for Huntington Park High School from 2001-2008 was 92% compared to 74% non-HSA students. Finally, 65% of students from Narbonne High School and 56% of students from Huntington Park High School enrolled at a community college. Moreover, 24 to 29% of students from both high schools respectively enrolled at a 4-year university or college.