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

Communities In Schools facilitates partnerships with businesses and health services, faith and civic groups, juvenile justice and youth development agencies, and hundreds of dedicated individuals who are committed to helping students stay in school.

Through these powerful partnerships, we address the needs of students by working closely with school staff and parents. Our services target the specific causes of children quitting school. The result: teachers are free to teach.

Communities In Schools believes that every child needs and deserves:

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

Communities In Schools of Atlanta was established in 1972. Over the last three decades, we have helped thousands of young people earn high school diplomas and go on to become productive members of their communities. Currently, CIS of Atlanta supports 62 schools in Atlanta and DeKalb County, including 20 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 22 high schools and one nontraditional school.

The concepts first tested in Atlanta have been expanded across the country. CIS is now the nation's leading community-based organization helping kids succeed in school and prepare for life. Each year, more than 2 million young people in 28 states have access to services through CIS. To find more about Communities In Schools nationally, go to www.cisnet.org.

In Georgia, there are 48 local CIS organizations, serving students in 52 counties and 59 school systems.  To find out more about CIS in Georgia, go to www.cisga.org.