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Since launching the Student Outreach and Re-engagement centers, or SOAR, Chicago Public Schools has helped 170 former high school dropouts earn their diplomas. Find out how the program works and what students are saying about it.

As Chicago Public Schools get back to business following the strike, many still face daunting challenges -- including a staggering dropout rate in some high schools. One recent dropout tells us why he felt he couldn't stay in school.

Courtesy John Walker

Native American children struggle with traditional public education; their dropout rate is close to 40 percent. We look at one program that's trying to change that.

Chicago is home to the third largest public school district in the country. And it's a system that's plagued by a high dropout rate. Now a new study takes a closer look at the individual and societal costs of dropping out. Tonight, we look at the study as part of our "American Graduate: Let's Make it Happen" initiative.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard

WTTW11 Kicks Off "American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen"

Nearly 40 percent of Chicago Public School students drop out. Why are they dropping out and what can be done to get them back on track to graduate? Elizabeth Brackett looks at two programs with some answers. Then, we talk with Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard about the dropout epidemic and how CPS is working to change it.