Ex-Cell Initiative helps high school dropouts - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

With the school year in full swing, students across the metro area are hoping to get the year off to a good start. But what happens when students find themselves experiencing trouble in the  classroom or worse, trouble with the law?

For high school drop-outs, teen parents, and students who struggle with traditional learning, Basix Knowledge Academy has been called "a second chance school." In September, the school is targeting formerly incarcerated young fathers who are determined not to let one mistake dictate the rest of their lives.

For years, Christopher Williams bounced from high school to high school. It took a two week stint in the county jail on marijuana possession to convince Williams that getting his education was his ticket to freedom.

"I had to make a way and get on the right path," said Williams,

That path led right to Basix Knowledge Academy in DeKalb County. For 15 years the non-profit private high school has reached out to the non-traditional student, and it appears to be working. The school's graduation rate is 90 percent.
    
Headmaster David Price realized within that population of students there was another group that needed guidance -- students like Williams. So Price started the Ex-Cell Initiative.

"The Ex-Cell will enroll 100 formerly incarcerated fathers who have dropped out of high school. These young men have had soft minor offenses but life has thrown mud on them to not allow them to move forward. The least we can do is enable them to finish high school and move forward," said Price.

Price says the Ex-Cell Initiative is not just concerned with graduating students but also producing good citizens. It's why students are required to do hours of community service as well as attend job readiness, money management, computer and parenting skills workshops.
    
Williams graduated from the academy in May and he's giving back to the school by working part-time as a custodian. He's waiting to hear if he's been accepted into Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services.

"I tell every student who enrolls no one knows your story and will never know unless you bring it up. To us, once you come here your story is erased," said Price.

And now Williams gets to start a new chapter.

"I got brothers and sisters who look up to me, so I got to get this right. Do everything so everyone will be proud of me," said Williams.

Because ex-cell students may be struggling to pay child support or find work because of their record, those accepted into the academy will go tuition-free. Basix Knowledge Academy receives no state funding. It has survived for the past 15 years on donations and the kindness of strangers. If you'd like to help or receive more information on the Ex-Cell Initiative, click here!