ROCK SPRINGS – Sometimes for students life happens and school takes a back seat, leaving the student facing a shortage of credits. However, Sweetwater County School District No. 1 can still provide help through several different programs.

Federal Grants/Title III Coordinator Gayle Kendall explained there are three kinds of students facing these situations: those with credit deficiency, students who have moved into the district and are having trouble transferring credits, and non-traditional students.

Several of the alternative programs that can help these students take place at Independence High School and Rock Springs High School. Kendall specifically spoke about RSHS informing the board that they will soon be initiating an after school program.

Students who are trying to get back on track, or just trying to get a diploma, can also take advantage of summer school and programs at Western Wyoming Community College. Kendall explained they have a long standing partnership with the college which provides credit recovery opportunities as well as a pathway for students to get their GED.

Another program was started in the 2007-2008 school year. Night school takes place at Independence High School in the computer lab from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and runs Monday through Thursday.

Students are chosen by referrals.

Kendall said they have had 52 students who have took advantage of night school and all have received their diplomas.

Students have had issues that caused them to leave school for one reason or another. Kendall recalled a story of a young person who had to leave school to help her family out financially. The student returned to school and took advantage of a few of the programs to catch up.