Students who have dropped out or are considering dropping out of school can learn about their educational options and find the support they need through LAUSD's highly-trained, dedicated counselors. If you are or someone you know is interested in learning more about your options, a Diploma Project Counselor (DPC) or Pupil Services and Attendance (PSA) Counselor can answer any questions and provide the support needed to earn a high school diploma.

Diploma Project Counselors

Last year, 80 of these special counselors were placed at schools with high dropout rates or numbers of students at-risk for dropping out. DPAs work directly with students and the appropriate school administrators, deans, counselors, nurses, teachers, parents, and community agencies to develop and implement personalized educational plans to ensure every student has the opportunity to earn a high school diploma.

DPAs are available to support students from the beginning of high school and even communicate with middle schools to identify students at-risk for dropping out and then offer those students the help they need upon enrollment in high school. Working closely with school staff, they develop incentive programs for students, hold quarterly meetings with students and their parents to review progress, and help dropped out students learn about the variety of pathways that will earn them a diploma.

Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors

PSA Counselors are child welfare advocates who serve as the link between school, home and the community for students and their parents. Many students who dropout or are at-risk of dropping out experience a variety of social, emotional, adjustment, or attendance issues, as well as issues at home or in the community that might prevent them from making progress towards a diploma. There are 300 PSA Counselors offering direct services that ensure every student has access to valuable educational and community resources. In addition to working directly with students, they provide school staff with the consultation and services needed to assist students meet their educational goals.