The "transitioning" project will support youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who have failed at high school.

"We're trying to design a transitional place, alternative programming, a storefront where kids can work at their own rate," said Liz Baile, student support consultant with the Catholic school board.

Students who want to make another attempt at school without being exposed to an actual school setting can get enroled in a transitional school or storefront until they are ready to go back to regular school or seek employment.

Each year, Baile surveys the school for children who are having difficulties learning in high school.

Eleven children have been assessed this year and 10 were assessed last year. All require special help and attention in order to learn.

There are students who can't handle a full day of school, said Baile and many end up dropping out for one reason or another.

A students may be forced to leave school because they have to raise a child alone, have family problems, a drug problem or even work commitments because they live on their own.

Baile said an off-campus storefront can be a way to help students do better academically, and go on to be career-oriented, contributing members of society.

The Catholic school board is pursuing another pilot initiative aimed at youth from ages 10 to 15. It is designed to catch younger students at risk of dropping out, she said.

"We are trying to work with Health and Social Services, Justice and Education, Culture and Employment to look at kids who are at risk," said Baile.

The school board wants a specialized team set up to look at what is needed to help students who are having problems in school.

The Catholic board is getting assistance from Yellowknife Health and Social Services and the departments of Justice and Education, Culture and Employment.

A teacher and possibly an assistant would be hired to run the pilot project. The storefront will be run, if possible, by a teacher, social worker and counsellor.

The first phase of the planning for the projects begins March 2-3 in the Weledeh Catholic school boardroom.