The first 50 graduates of the United Way's On Track To Success program are getting diplomas this spring.
They're attending two high schools in Leamington and three others in Windsor.
The program provides mentoring, tutoring, financial help and other supports to at-risk students.
A ceremony to applaud the students and the success of the program was held Friday at the University of Windsor's School of Social Work.
Graduate Justin Singkeaw was asked where he would be without the program.
"I couldn't tell you, I honestly couldn't tell you. I don't know where I'd be I don't know what I would do because this program has offered me so many academic help, financial help that without I don't know if I'd have the grade to even go to post secondary," says Singkeaw.
Singkeaw tells AM800 News this program has given him a future.
"This has given me an open door to walk through and I'm just going to take it to the fullest. Because I'm going to take this opportunity and appreciate it and be thankful for it. And use this as a sort of guide for my future. And to take this opportunity and reflect it on to other people."
Graduate Sindy Ramos says before she entered the program she was very negative about her future.
"They taught me how to be more open, how to appreciate life I guess way more and also I learned that I can get help through here like financially," says Ramos. "And even if I ever need something in the future I know I can reach out to Liam and he'll always be there."
Liam Giles-Hayes is the O.T.T.S. program co-ordinator and Sindy's mentor.
Justin is going to the University of Windsor's Drama program hoping to be a high school drama teacher. Sindy is going to St. Clair College for Protection, security and investigation with a goal of becoming a police officer.
The graduates each receive $4000 toward their post-secondary education.
On top of that, if they attend the University of Windsor, the school matches the grant and at St. Clair College there's an entrance award of $750 and $500 per year for a total of $2250.
There are a total of 125 students currently in the program and receiving support.