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title: Keep Students Engaged Through Graduation with a Rewards Program
description: Including a rewards program in your district's dropout recovery program offers tangible, desirable rewards as incentives for academic performance and progress.
image: https://hub.graduationalliance.com/hubfs/GA_c3_Blog%204%20Image.jpg
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# Insights
# Keep Students Engaged Through Graduation with a Rewards Program
Posted by [Greg Harp](https://hub.graduationalliance.com/blog/author/greg-harp) on April 10, 2017
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When it comes to student dropouts, recovery is only the first step. Students who re-enroll are not guaranteed to stay engaged through graduation. Successful programs not only entice students with[flexibility and support](https://hub.graduationalliance.com/blog/flexibility-accountability-and-support-for-dropout-recovery), they also motivate students with an engaging curriculum. One way to increase engagement and retention is through a rewards program.
A rewards program offers tangible, desirable rewards as incentives for academic performance and progress. While there are a number of ways to design a rewards system, it is imperative that the rewards are desirable and that the required actions are achievable and aligned with a student’s academic goals. It is also helpful to reward actions that are quantifiable and can easily be tracked online.
Graduation Alliance’s dropout recovery strategy includes rewarding students with points for:
- Logging into classes;
- Submitting assignments (with a passing grade);
- Passing a final exam;
- Completing a quarter-credit class;
- Reaching the Honors pace (3 quarter-credit classes a month);
- Completing a monthly student response form;
- Attending a meetup with a Local Advocate.
Where permitted by law, these points can be redeemed for real-world merchandise, such as gift cards, cellphone credits, electronics, or a cap and gown for graduation day. In places where schools are not permitted to reward students in this way, a rewards system can include opportunities for scholarships and chances to help raise money for a local charity of a student’s choosing. Implementing these types of rewards programs can keep students motivated, involved, and striving for improvement all the way through graduation.
A rewards program is only one aspect of a successful student dropout recovery program. To learn what else should be included, [Download our **Student Re-engagement Checklist**](https://hub.graduationalliance.com/student-re-engagement-checklist).
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2712722/cac0269b-44a0-463f-b02e-cdfbd04f074e)
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**[GRADUATION ALLIANCE](http://graduationalliance.com)** works to provide school districts the resources, support and flexibility needed to assist all students in reaching their educational goals. If your district needs help with a dropout recovery program and/or social and emotional learning assessments, email us at: [learnmore@graduationalliance.com](mailto:learnmore@graduationalliance.com)
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