LAS VEGAS -- A recent report revealed a 62 percent high school graduation rate in Nevada, among the lowest in the nation.
A center in east Las Vegas is trying to change the low graduation rate and help adults with a second chance at a career.
At the Rafael Rivera Opportunity Center, students receive help with finishing a high school diploma or finding a job.
Adults can also find help getting work in a variety of fields ranging from health care to business.
Anthony Scott is one of the hundreds of teenagers who has walked through the center's doors.
"Before I came here, my life was mostly struggling because my mom has been unemployed for a while now," Scott said.
With no idea of what career he wanted to pursue, the high school senior spoke with a counselor and enrolled in the center's Out of School Youth Program.
Rene Cantu, director of the Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation, said it is easy to find students in tough economic and academic situations in southern Nevada.
"The need is huge," Cantu said. "A lot of it has to do with our high dropout rate, and the need for both in-school and out-of-school youth to have support and a sense of direction of where they want to go."
Cantu said the center focuses on extra layers of support from tutoring to transportation assistance to childcare and occupational training.
Scott said he has enrolled in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Criminal Justice program.
"I'm also planning on doing a second major in psychology," he said.
Last summer, the opportunity center helped 102 teenagers and young adults with work readiness that then lead to summer employment.
The job connections available through the center does not end at students. Adult and dislocated worker programs are offered, too.
"My mom is coming here and it's giving her that motivation which she lost before, that there is something she can do and to not give up," Scott said.
Thursday afternoon, the center held an adult worker orientation to help adults who have lost their way in the tough economy. In the last year, more than 200 adults found a job through the center.
Cantu said he hopes to get plenty more people off the couch and into a career.
According to the opportunity center, it still has plenty of spots open for the out of school youth program.
To qualify, students have to be 16 to 21 years and be out of school and is open to both dropouts and graduates seeking guidance.
