Operation Newstart Eastern, run by Victoria Police, Berengarra School and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, kicked off on April 27.

Students aged 13-17 who were having problems at school and considered at risk, took part in the program for one term.

Eight eastern and outer-eastern suburbs teens joined the program for reasons such as disengagement at school, low self-esteem, bullying and issues with teachers and authority figures.

They attended their school on Mondays and the rest of the week took part in activities such as fitness programs, educational sessions and Certificate I in vocational preparation at Holmesglen TAFE.

Last week, five of the students graduated. One student had to leave the program due to injury.

Leading Senior Constable Sandy McIver, of Glen Waverley police, said it had been a privilege to help the students realise their potential.

"Their self-doubt could often cause a lot of problems but once they began to understand their strengths, they were more confident in making the right choices.

"A lot of them acknowledged in the interview stage that if something didn't change they were likely to drop out of school and not be able to get a job.

"Now they have a lot more choices about the pathways they want to go down."

Berengarra outdoor education teacher Steve Magdis said it had been a tough term but helping five students reach graduation had made it all worthwhile.

Details: www.onv.org.au/operation-newstart -eastern