June News

Celebrating Our Graduates!

Congratulations to all our incredible high school and college graduates!

Your hard work, resilience, and determination have led you to this important milestone—and we couldn’t be prouder. For many, this is not a farewell from Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta, but rather the next step in a continued journey of support. Through our CIS of Atlanta Alumni Program, we help high school graduates as they transition—particularly into postsecondary education—and continue to walk alongside them even after college graduation.

By offering our alumni career guidance, job placement support, résumé writing assistance, and interview preparation, we’re confident their futures are bright!

We are so proud of all that our students have accomplished and can’t wait to share more soon. Stay tuned for our End-of-Year Impact Report!

Staff Highlight- Miranda Weems

This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Miranda Weems, Evaluations Manager at Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta. As a dedicated advocate for data-driven education, Miranda recently completed the prestigious Harvard Strategic Data Project (SDP) Fellowship—an intensive, two-year program led by Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research. This national initiative is focused on transforming education through high-quality research and evidence-based decision-making.

Miranda was selected as one of a small group of fellows from across the country, and during her time in the program, she made a tremendous impact at CIS of Atlanta. Her work helped streamline how we track student and school progress, ensuring our data systems align with CIS accreditation standards. Her leadership not only enhanced our internal data practices but also positioned CIS of Atlanta as a national model for evidence-based student support.

Miranda has been a valued member of our team for over three years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Services and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Alabama A&M University. Before joining CIS of Atlanta, Miranda served as a classroom educator and literacy coach, with her passion for early childhood learning continuing to influence her work today. She also holds her ESOL Certificate (English to Speakers of Other Languages), a Reading Certification, and a Data Analytics Certification. She brings the unique combination of an educator’s heart and a strategist’s eye—always keeping student outcomes at the forefront.

CIS of Atlanta’s connection to Harvard extends beyond Miranda’s achievement. In 2024, Harvard Business School developed a case study on our Alumni Program—an initiative launched in 2021 under the leadership of our CEO, Frank Brown, Esq. With support from an unrestricted financial award, this innovative program has expanded our support to CIS alumni, focusing on four key pillars: life skills, professional development, civic engagement, and leadership. The case study highlights that while CIS was founded during a time when a high school diploma could secure a living wage, today’s economy demands more. The Harvard case also highlights that by 2023, individuals with an associate degree earned, on average, 25% more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. That number jumps to 75% for those with a bachelor’s degree.

At the heart of the Alumni Program is the "Four Es" framework, which guides graduates toward one of four postsecondary pathways: Enrollment in higher education, Enlistment in the military, Employment, or Entrepreneurship. Our CIS of Atlanta Alumni follows these selected alumni students through their postsecondary pathways, with many students take multiple pathways, helping them to overcome barriers and achieve in life. Originally developed in Atlanta, this model is now influencing alumni engagement across the national CIS network.

Later this summer, Mr. Brown will return to Harvard to present the case study and deliver a guest lecture on CIS of Atlanta’s impact. We look forward to sharing highlights from his visit in an upcoming newsletter!

Please join us in congratulating Miranda Weems on this extraordinary accomplishment and in celebrating the ongoing national recognition of CIS of Atlanta’s transformative work.

The Second Annual Evening of Inspiration

From left to right: Quintin Avery, Lawrence Omodele, Jhakia, Aryanna, Susanne O’ Neal, Bert O’ Neal, Melissa Johnson, and Frank Brown, Esq.

Last week, we hosted our Second Annual Evening of Inspiration—a powerful night centered on student voices and success stories. We heard from Aryanna and Jhakia, rising seniors at Booker T. Washington High School, who shared how Communities In Schools of Atlanta has helped them overcome self-doubt and step into leadership opportunities. This summer, Aryanna will travel to Ireland through our partnership with the Global Youth Leadership Academy, and Jhakia will represent Sandy Hook Promise’s SAVE Promise Club in Washington, D.C.

We also celebrated Lawrence, a CIS of Atlanta alumni and a recent Class of 2025 graduate of Alabama State University, who is set to start working with our corporate partner Deloitte as a financial analyst.

A heartfelt thank you to Bert O’Neal, CIS of Atlanta’s Board Treasurer, and Susanne O’Neal for graciously hosting this inspiring evening. Your hospitality made this gathering of stories and community possible.

Their stories remind us what’s possible when students have the support they need. But the work continues.

It costs $3,000 to fully sponsor a senior—covering essentials like college applications, SAT fees, graduation expenses, and emergency needs. Will you join us in being present in the lives of students?

Help us support the next generation of leaders.

Donate today and sponsor a senior!

Donate Today!