Some local students are getting a fresh start this new year. 

Jasmine Dillard has been to a number of schools. But today she enrolled at Makinaw High in Saginaw Township. 

She says 2013 is the year she's going to get serious about earning her diploma.

"I just want to get everything over and done with so I can start my careers," said Dillard.

Makinaw is an alternative school. It gives students, like Nikkolas Delacruz, who've dropped out or had issues at other schools another option to get their education.

"After a while I realized it's all self based. If I want to graduate I can, and I can do it in less than a year," Delacruz said.

The curriculum at Makinaw is not only geared toward helping students get their diploma, but to also move on to schools like Delta College where they can earn a degree or certificate in a specific area to help them get a good job.

Mark Koutcher teaches at Makinaw. He said their partnership with Delta College is a huge asset.

"Delta's great," Koutcher said. "They are really in touch with the community and what jobs are out there. We meet with them, we see what their curriculum is, where the jobs are going. So we kind of amend our curriculum to meet those needs."

The program is designed to help students earn their diplomas in two years instead of the traditional four, which puts them on the fast track to success.

"Unfortunately with no child left behind, some do get left behind. Parents give up on them, other schools give up on them, but we start fresh," Koutcher said.

And students like Dillard have made it their news year's resolution to make the most of the opportunity.

"[I'm] excited to get everything over with and make my parents proud," Dillard said.

The school is open to teens ages 14 to 19. It's free - and you don't have to live in Saginaw Township to attend. They'll be enrolling new students for this semester until February.

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