(WXIA) -- The number of students receiving diplomas is on a steady rise, as it jumped for a second time using a new formula.

For 2013, Matt Cardoza of the Georgia Department of Education reported, the graduation rate marked 67.4 percent in 2011, followed by 69.7 percent in 2012.  The new way to figure the graduation rate is based on the adjusted cohort rate, which is required by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate defines the cohort based on when a student becomes a freshman, Cardoza said. The calculation takes the number of students who graduate within four years and includes adjustments for student transfers. 

"I am very pleased that our graduation rate continues to increase, no matter how it is calculated," State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge said. "While our graduation rate is still far too low and we have much progress to be made, we are moving in the right direction."

ATLANTA -- Community & Southern Bank is holding a conference in early June, where high school students in and around Atlanta can learn about finances.

The 21st Century Leaders Youth Leadership Conference is part of a weeklong Youth Leadership Institute taking place at Emory on June 2 - 7. 

Six team members from Community & Southern Bank will be there to talk about financial responsibility, banking and finance management. Those six are holding afternoon sessions on Monday, June 3.

"As banking professionals, we understand the need to cultivate fiscally sound members of society. We want to ensure their personal finances - and the economic security of our state and nation - are positively impacted by good choices," CSB's Chief Executive Officer said. "It is of utmost importance to CSB that we help guide the development of financial skills for the next generation of leaders."  

CANTON, Ga. -- The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is participating in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, and Liberty Elementary School is completely on board.

Students at the Canton school have raised $618.45 for the shelter so far.

To win the challenge, the shelter must rescue 300 homeless pets this summer. It costs $23.53 for the shelter to adopt out one cat or dog, so the Liberty students' donations saved the lives of 26 pets.

Learn more about the challenge at aspca.org.