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Building community support for new schools  Communities In Schools (CIS) was started in the 70's by three ambitious young men (Neil Shorthouse, Bill Milliken and David Lewis) who saw the need to help at-risk kids succeed in school and develop marketable skills. The organization has grown to become the largest stay-in school network serving nearly two million students in 28 states and 2,000 school systems. CIS realizes that at-risk students often come to school with challenges that affect their ability to learn. The goal of CIS is to help this targeted population stay in school, successfully learn and prepare for life. This is done by identifying community resources and services, which already exist, and linking them to students who need them.

CIS believes that students need five basics to be successful:

1) a personal, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult 2) a safe place to learn and grow;
3) a healthy start and a healthy future;
4) a marketable skill to use upon graduation; and 
5) a chance to give back to peers and community.

CIS also understands that collaborative efforts are the most efficient and cost-effective way to improve the high school completion rate. CIS must have the cooperation of and form partnerships with school districts, local businesses and community leaders before it will start a program. There are 45 operational CIS program sites throughout Georgia with more in the implementation stage, and many CIS programs focus on literacy, mentoring and after school programs.  Communities with CIS programs have seen an increase in their school completion rate, a decrease in violence and disruptions, and an increase in attendance and academic achievement. 

With the help of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, private foundations and businesses, CIS was able to develop its latest initiative, Performance Learning Centers (PLCs). PLCs are small, non-traditional high schools geared toward students who are not succeeding in the traditional school setting. They are created through collaborations with local school districts, businesses and communities. The PLCs create a business- like environment and emphasize personal support and an intense academic program anchored by an online instructional system and project-based learning. The program connects students to community service learning opportunities, job shadowing, mentors, internships, and dual enrollment at local colleges or technical institutions. 

Staff utilizes the five CIS basics to challenge and empower students to set and achieve new goals, and parents are required to have an active role in their child’s education. There are 15 PLCs in Georgia with the intent of opening 8 more this coming school year, and several nationwide (within the CIS network) in the next couple of years.

To learn more about CIS initiatives and how to work with existing programs, or to help bring a CIS program to your community, contact us at 615 Peachtree St., Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30308; 404-888-5784 or visit the website at www.cisga.org.