During the 2017–2018 school year, 13.99 percent of 9th grade students in Volusia County Schools (VCS) did not meet the requirements for promotion to 10th grade. Research has shown that 9th grade retention increases the likelihood of high school dropout. To address this issue, 'Shattering the 9th grade Bottleneck,' a grant-funded program, will bring intentional student-led SEL mentoring to at-risk 9th grade students. The SEL skills and competencies of all students involved in this program will be developed and strengthened. In addition, student leaders will receive scholarship funding for the critical services that they are providing to their community.