“…Dropouts frequently experience lifelong difficulties as a consequence of their educational status. Among the adversities they encounter are disenfranchisement from society, poor mental health, a greater likelihood of entering low-paying jobs, and unemployment (Hill & Sandfort, 1995;Reyes, 1993;Simmons, Black, & Zhou, 1991;Tidwell, 1988;Velez, 1989). The chances of experiencing such difficulties are particularly pronounced for youth from minority and low-income backgrounds, as evidenced by their comparatively higher rates of failure and dropout (Chavez, Oetting, & Swaim, 1994;Harrison, Wilson, Pine, Chan, & Buriel, 1990; U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1995).…”