Education Commission of the States, located in Denver, and founded in 1965, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides partnerships, information and policy development services, based on available educational research, and strategies. The organization involves people from all levels of the education system and its members include more than 49 states, three territories and the District of Columbia. Each of its members are represented by seven commissioners, including the governor, legislators, chief state school officers, state and local school board members, superintendents, higher education officials, and business leaders. Education Commission of the States has three divisions, information management and ECS clearinghouse, policy studies and programs and state services.
Rite of Passage, based in Minden, Nev., is a provider of programs and opportunities for at-risk youth. Established in 1984, its programs assist youth in making the transition from troubled teenagers to goal-oriented young men and women. Its mentoring and tracking program incorporates assessment, assistance and monitoring, supervision of activities through setting weekly goals and schedules, and verifying progress. Its emergency shelter programs are available for male youth who have been victims of abuse or neglect, and it operates group homes that can accommodate up to 15 youth. Its secure detention services for youth who are held on pretrial status or are sentenced to secure detention includes multiple secure programs as per the needs and potential of incarcerated young men and women. It also provides transitional services designed to empower youth to live independently and transition back into their communities successfully.
