Communities In Schools of Atlanta Receives Georgia Commendation in Honor of 50th Anniversary

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issues official state commendation to Communities In Schools of Atlanta recognizing the nonprofit’s service to 45,000 at-risk students

Atlanta (September 26, 2022) – Communities In Schools of Atlanta (CIS of Atlanta) received an official commendation from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp in a special ceremony honoring the nonprofit for its 50th anniversary serving 45,000+ at-risk students in 63 schools across metro Atlanta.

Now the nation’s largest dropout prevention network, Communities In Schools surrounds students with the resources and support they need to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. CIS of Atlanta began its mission and work 50 years ago, sparking a national movement by pioneering a new way to empower at-risk students and help them stay in school and achieve in life.

“I want to commend Communities in Schools of Atlanta for 50 years of work to serve our at-risk students,” said Governor Kemp. “Their efforts have helped thousands of young Georgians learn and succeed, and we are grateful to them for positively impacting metro Atlanta.”

By bringing caring adults into schools to address children’s unmet needs, CIS of Atlanta provides a link between educators and the community. CIS of Atlanta currently serves four school districts, including Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County, DeKalb County and Clayton County.

“This is an incredible honor, and we thank our Governor and the state of Georgia for recognizing our work and efforts with this prestigious commendation,” said CIS of Atlanta CEO Frank Brown. “Students can beat the odds with our support, and we have a solemn duty to help them. We want to see our kids not only graduate from high school, but go on to college, trade school, military service or become entrepreneurs. We work to make sure that our students see their potential and become productive members of society and ultimately achieve the American Dream.”

CIS of Atlanta is now the subject of the national documentary The Push featuring an Atlanta student and local site coordinator in an inspiring story of beating the odds. In honor of its 50th anniversary, CIS of Atlanta is hosting a number of ways to engage with and support its work. Consider learning more and donating by clicking HERE.

About Communities In Schools of Atlanta

Communities In Schools of Atlanta is an award-winning dropout prevention organization that was established in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972. What began in the basement of a modest home in the Grant Park community is now the nation’s largest dropout prevention network with a proven track record of positively impacting graduation rates.

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

By bringing caring adults into the schools to address children’s unmet needs, we provide 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.

Communities In Schools of Atlanta empowers 45,000+ students across metro Atlanta and currently serves four school districts, including Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County, DeKalb County, and Clayton County. During the 2020-2021 school year 2,106 students received intensive individualized support and 97% of the CIS of Atlanta caseload students stayed in school, graduated on time, or were promoted.