Communities In Schools (CIS) of Greenbrier County, an independent affiliate of the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization, today announced a significant contribution from AT&T to support its efforts to help students achieve in school, graduate and go on to college and career success.
As part of the company’s signature philanthropic initiative AT&T Aspire, AT&T and CIS are teaming up to bring in one additional site coordinator to support two schools in the county. This year, with AT&T’s support, this new site coordinator will serve over 50 students connecting them with academic support, mentoring, counseling, after-school programs, career development, intervention, health care and other resources they need to stay in school and succeed in life.
AT&T is contributing $4.5 million to Communities In Schools affiliates across the country as an investment in the future of the 1.5 million at-risk students. The multi-year investment will support advancement in data collection, technology, research and evaluation, as well as continued site coordinator support and mentoring by AT&T employees.
“AT&T’s continued support and contribution to our work plays a vital role in helping us change the picture for low-income children who now make up the majority of students in America’s public schools.” said Dan Cardinali, president of Communities In Schools, Inc. “This investment enables us to expand the delivery of CIS’ proven model to schools across the nation.”
Communities In Schools is committed to combating obstacles to graduation and leveling the playing field so that students can focus on learning and teachers can focus on teaching. Working directly inside those schools, CIS site coordinators identify students at risk of dropping out, assess what non-academic barriers are preventing them from learning and then connect them with community services. Those services might include food, clothing, housing, medical and dental care, mental health services, tutoring and mentoring.
“Our goal is to remove barriers to academic success, and help all students — regardless of age, gender, income or zip code — make their biggest dreams a reality,” said Nicole Anderson, Executive Director of Philanthropy at AT&T. “Communities In Schools surrounds students with the vital supports they need to realize these dreams, and this new funding will help more students experience the welcome embrace that CIS offers.”
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. In 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.
Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools of Greenbrier County is part of the national Communities In Schools’ network which operates in more than 2,400 schools in the most challenged communities of 25 states and the District of Columbia. Working closely with school districts and partner organizations, Communities In Schools serves 1.5 million young people and their families each year. Based directly inside schools throughout the country, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to basic and critical educational and community-based resources, tailored to each student’s specific needs. Learn more about Communities In Schools of Greenbrier County at www.cisgreenbriercounty.org or by calling 304-661-1018.