Research suggests that the inability to complete high school graduation requirements can result in barriers that are detrimental to the success of individuals, stability of families, and the overall progress of the state and nation. The Graduation Coach Initiative was employed as a strategy for addressing chronically low graduation rates in Georgia high schools. This study determined the significance of graduation coaches on graduation rates, dropout rates, and types of diplomas awarded in high schools below the 25th percentile using graduation rates in 2006. Of the 328 secondary schools in the state, data from 82 high schools representing the lowest quartile of 2006 graduation rates were used to ascertain if the implementation of the Graduation Coach Initiative has made any significance in schools where the need is greatest. A series of paired "t"tests for graduation rates, dropout rates, and types of diplomas awarded were calculated to determine the differences in the mean percentages before the implementation of graduation coaches in 2006 and three years after the presence of graduation coaches in 2009. The findings revealed there were significant differences in mean graduation and dropout rates before and after the implementation of graduation coaches for schools below the 25th percentile for graduation rates in 2006. The findings also disclosed significant differences in four out of five diploma types awarded for schools in the lowest quartile for graduation rates. A timeline series was developed to provide a visual comparison of annual changes in graduation rates from 2004 to 2009. This procedure illustrated that graduation rates in the three years after the introduction of coaches moved aggressively upward (59.99 in 2007 to 63.94 in 2008 to 70.36 in 2009) when compared to the period three years prior to the initiative (53.69 in 2004 to 56.40 in 2005 to 55.93 in 2006). The study concludes with implications and recommendations based on the findings. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]