WARSAW — Its mission will remain the same, but the look will be different. Formerly known as Kosciusko County Educational Development, the name has been changed to Gradway.

It is a coaching and mentoring organization working with youth in the Wawasee, Warsaw, Tippecanoe Valley and Whitko school districts who are considered at-risk for dropping out of high school. Graduation coaches work in the high schools, success coaches in the middle schools and mentors in the elementary schools.

Students are chosen by school counselors, teachers and officials who use a set of 17 risk indicators to select students they believe would greatly benefit from the program. Students, parents and school officials together make the final decision whether or not placement is made with a coach.

Once assigned, coaches work with the students on a regular schedule and this could mean checking on their homework, making sure late assignments are turned in, helping in studies for a difficult class or test or just listening should the student need an adult with a listening ear.

Ultimately it is hoped the high school graduation rate for Kosciusko County will improve.

Why the name change? Brittany Lyon, director, said the old name simply did not tell the story of the organization well enough. “Do you know how many businesses in this area start with ‘Kosciusko County?’ We do; over 50!”

In order to set the organization apart and keep it from getting lost in the shuffle, a name change to Gradway was chosen. It will be easier to remember the new name. “The name itself also tells the story in a more effective way,” Lyon said. “It is simple, concise and does not beg the need for more information. It is the perfect way to continue on with the next generation of students.”

And the website has been changed to www.gradway.org. For more information, go to the website, visit the Facebook page or call (574) 549-8000.