Game time: USC makes a play for at-risk students

USC has been tackling a huge problem.

And no, we're not talking about University of Oregon running back LaMichael James (who managed just 78 yards against the Trojans during USC's 38-35 upset over the Ducks last month.)   

This problem's even bigger. Even stronger. And if you don't get ahold of it right away, it will slip away faster than James ever could.

USC's Rossier School of Education is opening a school to help local at-risk students. The program's emphasis: students who may dropout because they hold jobs or care for family members.

If you read this blog regularly, you know that we're big supporters of programs that offer at-risk students the flexibility they need to stay in school. As such, we're thrilled by the idea of a school that will be open up to 12 hours per day, seven days per week and year-round to cater to students who might not be able to attend from 8-to-3, Monday through Friday, and who could benefit from more opportunities to earn credit all 12 months of the year. 

According to the charter school’s press release, Hybrid High students will attend school a minimum of 35 hours per week based on a customized schedule that permits them to meet other responsibilities in their lives, “thereby removing the moral dilemma of forcing students to choose between helping their families or continuing their education.”

They say the school is more of a prevention tool than a recovery program. That's fine — but if it works we'd love to see it implemented for dropouts as well.

And with USC leading the way, it's time for other universities to step up their games as well.