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

The mission of Communities In Schools is to champion the connection of needed community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life.

By bringing caring adults into the schools to address children's unmet needs, CIS provides the link between educators and the community. The result: teachers are free to teach, and students - many in jeopardy of dropping out - have the opportunity to focus on learning. For 30 years, Communities In Schools has worked to ensure that every child has access to the "Five Basics":

• A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult
• A safe place to learn and grow
• A healthy start and a healthy future
• A marketable skill to use upon graduation
• A chance to give back to peers and community

Each year, more than two million young people in 27 states and the District of Columbia have access to integrated student support.

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