School Retention
We believe one of the most efficient ways to support student retention is to reach at-risk students before they drop-out from schools. We do this by implementing an early-alert student referral program through a close relationship with the school district. We we are able to intervene and advocate for students who are experiencing academic, personal, financial or social difficulties, and many of these students are minorities and new immigrant students.

We also guide teens who have dropped out or who are in the juvenile justice system by giving them a second chance for learning and a better life. Through outreach and community building Waano is knowledgeably able to oversee academic success for minorities and new immigrant students – encouraging retention and academic restitution.

One-on-one academic consulting
We provide one-on-one academic consultation to help students from new immigrant and/or low income families determine their best academic course of action, including progression into higher education. Our passion and commitment is provide academic consulting that helps minority students gain admission to the college/university of their choice and develop the skills and behaviors that are essential to academic success and professional development.

We respect students’ values, attitudes, dreams, identity, behaviors, and life situations.  These all factor into their academic success and their ability to reach their goals. We help students design pathways to their future goals that includes academics as well as engagement opportunities and support services.

School Support
We provide guidance and mentorship for youth in a number of ways. Waano’s youth mentorship is one of the most promising approaches for its community’s success, promoting positive youth outcomes.

We believe that student success does not simply come from attending classes but also is supplemented by the ways students engage with the campus academically and socially. We mentor and help students to brainstorm career possibilities, define career goals and establish action plans.

Educational Transformation
We inspire our students to own their own businesses and we place students in job shadowing and internship assignments to gain invaluable experience and for possible future employment.  Our Academic Support program focus the following three sectors:
1) At-risk youth
2) Youth Mentorship
3) Youth Skill Development

We educate and train students from low income and new immigrants families in the following areas:
1) Career Research
2) Entrepreneurial Principles
3) Interview Skills
4) Resume Building
5) Community/Volunteer Responsibility