Communities In Schools is the nation's leading organization focused on reducing dropout rates and improving graduation rates.

The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Through a school-based coordinator, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to critical community resources, tailored to local needs.

Working in more than 3,200 schools, in the most challenged communities, in 26 states, and the District of Columbia, Communities In Schools serves nearly 1.4 million young people and their families every year. Communities In Schools has become the nation's leading dropout prevention organization, and the only one proven to both decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates.

10/13/2009 From the Louisiana Department of Education

"Today, the Louisiana Department of Education released preliminary 2008 and 2009 cohort graduation rates. Comparing the preliminary 2008 and 2009 Cohort Graduation Rates of 65.9 percent and 66.6 percent, respectively, to the 2007 Cohort Graduation Rate of 65.9 percent, state education leaders say the small gains demonstrate the need to continue focusing on dropout prevention and improving graduation rates through recent and previously existing efforts.

The Cohort Graduation Rate is a measure based on the percentage of students who enter the ninth grade and graduate four years later, and is one of several calculations states are required to report as part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)."

CIS New Orleans is working with 75 local and national service providers to work strategically and intentionally with schools and young people to help them overcome the barriers to academic and life achievement. Please explore our website for information about what we are doing and how you can help.

• 02/10/2009 A Great Story on Youth Empowerment: A Message from the Executive Director
  
• 01/11/2009 Can of Corn: A message from the Executive Director