Metro Flint Youthbuild works to turn the tide of high school dropouts in Genesee County
By Shaun Byron | sbyron@mlive.com
on February 14, 2013 at 4:45 PM, updated February 14, 2013 at 4:46 PM
FLINT, MI — Kevin Van Buren didn’t see the value of a diploma from Flint’s Northwestern High School when he made the decision to end his education early.
“I was into the streets,” said Van Buren, a tattooed 24-year-old from Flint. “I sold drugs, all of that nature, stealing cars, and school just wasn’t an option for me because I felt I had enough money to take care of myself.
“Going to school wasn’t an option.”
Van Buren now says getting an education is the only option he has for a life.
“I feel this is my last chance at bettering myself as a man,” he said.
Van Buren is enrolled in Metro Flint YouthBuild, a program that enforces values and helps young people obtain their general education diploma and go on to college or into employment.
The high school dropout rate in Genesee County has increased slightly from last year, going from 6.02 percent, to 6.6 percent, according to the Michigan Department of Education.