In her 2008 report on high school dropouts in the District, researcher Janet Blackwell emphasized the importance of individualized attention in adult education programs; an especially dire need for additional tutoring in math and writing; and the value of engaging students to tutor each other. In their 2007 report, “Double the Numbers” researchers also recommended peer mentoring as a best practice for non-traditional students. 
In Beyond Talent’s Peer Mentoring Program, non-traditional graduates like Joyce Hatcher, who completed the EDP in 2006 (and transitioned to permanent housing with Beyond Talent’s help), provide one-on-one tutoring to peers still in the program

Beyond Talent provides Peer Mentors training and guidance for their tutoring activities, as well as a $200 monthly stipend and transportation assistance. 6 of Joyce’s “mentees” got jobs in 2008 after she helped them complete the External Diploma Program. (2 actually had jobs promised them pending completion of a high school credential). In an interview in February 2009, they said they had been to other GED or EDP programs and been unsuccessful, attributing their success this time to the “individual attention” they received from Joyce. In FY 2009, 3 more of her mentees have completed the EDP.

Read the Impact Report.