Chicago Public Schools students age 14-20 who are out of school or off track to graduate now have a new option to graduate from high school, ready for college and a career. This new option, called Ombudsman Chicago, is now enrolling students for the 2013-14 school year. Students and their families can learn more or enroll in Ombudsman Chicago by visiting www.ombudsmancps.com or by calling (312) 806-9022. Ombudsman Chicago offers:

• Morning and afternoon sessions that allow time for family, friends, work and school;
• Two convenient locations in the Chicago metropolitan area, one on the North Side at 7500 N. Harlem Ave. and a South Side location anticipated to be 3214 W. 63rd St.;
• One-on-one attention from caring teachers;
• A welcoming, safe and technology-rich environment;
• Post-secondary counselors, a Career Development Center, internships and job-shadowing opportunities so students can learn about academic and career paths;
• Emotional and behavioral support, including a licensed social worker and individual and group counseling to develop the skills to establish positive relationships and the self-confidence to be successful;
• Focused instruction for English language learners;
• A special education teacher to assist students who have Individual Education Plans (IEPs); and free tuition.

Ombudsman is partnering with CPS Re-Engagement Centers and Zero Dropouts, a national organization that creates innovative approaches to help students who have dropped out return or re-engage their education, to help identify students who have dropped out, schedule intake appointments and assist with the enrollment process.