ABOUT NCDPA

The North Carolina Dropout Prevention Association had its beginnings in 1992 when a group of educators met and began the process of creating NCDPA.  The reality was that the numbers of students dropping out were increasing at an alarming rate.  As a result, NCDPA has its beginnings in helping kids stay in school and working statewide to provide programs to help schools and educators tackle what has become a major task.

The North Carolina Dropout Prevention Association became an official  501 C 3 Non Profit Corporation and assumed a leadership role in North Carolina for dropout prevention, working with at risk students, and providing a forum for those working with these students.  The Association has grown from a membership numbering less than 20 to a membership as of this year of over 225.  The membership includes educators, community agencies involved in assisting kids in communities around the state, professional organizations who support the dropout prevention effort, and anyone who has a vested interest in keeping kids in school.

The Associations major effort over the years has been to provide one of the finest and most beneficial annual conferences dedicated solely to keeping kids in school and lowering dropout numbers.  The best presenters and keynote speakers available attend our annual conference.  These speakers include Franklin Schargel, Stephen Sroka, and Joe and Judy Pauley who are in demand nationally and have authored numerous books and articles.  The CEU credits earned are well worth the time taken to hear presenters from around the state and nation with programs that work.

Our theme, STAY CONNECTED—STAY IN SCHOOL, was developed when we analyzed what really happens to students who fail to graduate.  If the connection is broken, then a student becomes a dropout risk.  The data is irrefutable, and we know that the numbers keep increasing.  Our mission is to provide realistic staff development programs, be active in influencing decision makers to approve programs that count and keep the focus on these students and professionals who support and work with them.

Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in this effort.  Your contributions are tax deductible.  All of the income we receive is spent on our annual conference and presenting workshops, training programs, and feedback sessions around the state.  We are the only state association in the nation dedicated to dropout prevention and keeping kids in school.

Visit our website often.  We will provide links and constantly update our website to keep you up to date.  Our Board of Directors is available to answer your questions.   Our goal is to keep kids in school and provide you with tools and strategies that work!

John L. Reimer, NCDPA President