A high school diploma is more than a piece of paper. It is a moment of victory for a young person, a family, and a community that refused to give up. Graduation represents stability, expanded options, and a clearer path to college, career training, meaningful work, and purpose.
Milestone 3 is MBK Houston’s commitment to strengthening the conditions that help students stay engaged, stay supported, and stay on track through every season of high school. We believe students thrive when they are surrounded by adults who expect greatness, provide consistent guidance, and connect learning to real life. That includes strong school leadership, committed educators, involved families, and community partners who show up with opportunity, mentorship, and care.
This is community work. It takes schools, families, mentors, employers, faith leaders, youth-serving organizations, and neighbors pulling in the same direction so young people feel seen, valued, and equipped to finish strong.
What we are building together
To create lasting change in Milestone 3: Graduate from High School, we focus on:
Keeping students on track through key transitions, especially 5th to 6th grade, 8th to 9th grade, and 10th grade
Increasing student attendance and reducing dropouts by addressing barriers early and consistently
Expanding life skills, leadership development, and culturally responsive supports that strengthen identity and resilience
Growing mentoring and social-emotional supports that build confidence, belonging, and positive decision-making
Increasing early college and career exposure starting in middle school, including dual credit, credentials, job shadowing, and real-world learning
Strengthening family empowerment and navigation supports so caregivers can advocate and connect to resources
Supporting student reengagement through trauma-informed services and wraparound stabilization plans when life disruptions occurwe
Milestone 3 is led by Milestone Chair Lequita Hamm of Harris County Resources for Children and Adults, with Milestone Co-Chair April Bass-Bonton of the Houston Health Department. Together with partners across Houston and Harris County, they help align schools and community resources so more students graduate prepared for college, career, and life.
Building graduation pathways through systems of care, mentorship, belonging, and career-connected opportunities.
Our Partners
Join the
Milestone 3
action team
Frequently Asked
Questions
Milestone 3 focuses on helping more young people graduate from high school prepared for college, career training, or meaningful employment. We strengthen the conditions that keep students engaged, supported, and on track to finish strong.
Students often fall off track during key transition years, when attendance slips, grades drop, or life challenges increase. MBK Houston works with partners to identify barriers early and connect students and families to mentoring, academic support, and wraparound resources that help stabilize and reengage students.
We promote strategies that build belonging and accountability, strengthen family-school connections, and address real barriers like transportation, housing instability, and mental health needs. When students feel supported and have a plan, they are more likely to show up and stay connected to school.
It means students graduate with the skills, habits, and experiences needed to succeed after high school. This includes access to rigorous coursework, career exposure, credentials or dual credit opportunities, and support in planning for the next step.
Join the Milestone 3 Action Team! There are many other ways to show up. Community members can mentor, volunteer, sponsor enrichment opportunities, offer internships or job shadowing, host career talks, or partner with MBK Houston to expand services and supports for students in priority areas. Businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities are especially valuable partners in building pathways to graduation.