Strategies

What Works for Health includes evidence-informed strategies to create communities where everyone can thrive.

15 Strategies matching Increase high school graduation rates

Later middle and high school start times

Delay school start times for middle and high schools to better align with adolescent sleep-wake cycles; often until 8:30 a.m. or later
Evidence Rating:
Scientifically Supported

Community Conditions

  • Education

Mentoring programs for high school graduation

Establish programs that connect students at risk of dropping out with trained adult mentors who provide ongoing guidance for academic and personal challenges
Evidence Rating:
Scientifically Supported

Community Conditions

  • Education

School-based health centers

Provide health care services on school premises to attending elementary, middle, and high school students; physical and mental health services provided by teams of nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians
Evidence Rating:
Scientifically Supported

Community Conditions

  • Education
  • Clinical care

Societal Rules

  • Institutional practices

Summer youth employment programs

Provide short-term employment opportunities for youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds
Evidence Rating:
Some Evidence

Community Conditions

  • Safety and social support
  • Income, employment and wealth

Youth apprenticeship initiatives

Provide participating high school students with professional opportunities that combine academic and on-the-job training or mentorship
Evidence Rating:
Expert Opinion

Community Conditions

  • Income, employment and wealth