EDUCATION AS A SOCIAL DETERMINANT OF HEALTH: INCREASING THE COMPLETION RATES OF SENIOR STUDENTS AGES 17-18 IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN GRANVILLE VANCE COUNTY

This proposal highlights the critical need to improve both access to and the quality of public high school education in Granville and Vance counties, two rural counties in North Carolina, where graduation rates have fallen below the North Carolina state average of 89.7%. Acknowledging the unique challenges these counties face, the proposal highlights four key recommendations for action to support student success: 1) expanding technology access for low-income students to bridge the digital divide, 2) enhancing school meal programs to ensure that all students have access to nutritiously adequate food, 3) implementing peer mentoring programs to foster academic and social support, and 4) increasing on-site career counseling to better prepare students for post-graduation opportunities. By addressing and measuring success in these areas, this initiative aims to reduce educational disparities, increase graduation rates, and provide students with the tools they need to thrive academically and professionally in their communities.