State Winners Announced in Communities In Schools Contest

At-Risk Students Depict How They Achieve Academic Success

ATLANTA, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Communities In Schools (CIS) of Georgia conducts an annual statewide contest for at-risk students who are sometimes overlooked and often expected to underachieve through local affiliates.  The contest challenges students to create art, write essays, present speeches, develop computer technology entries, and depict how CIS has helped them excel in school and set new goals.  Every year this competitive month-long contest, Student Achievement Month (SAM), has over 200 students who showcase their talent.  Many of these students have never been recognized for anything positive, and SAM shines a spotlight on them as CIS celebrates their successes.  The CIS model promotes student achievement by meeting the unique needs of each youth, which might entail providing social services, mentoring, after-school tutoring, and other activities.  SAM helps students gain confidence and understand the importance of succeeding in school.  There were three levels of competition: local, regional, and state.  Local entries were judged by community leaders.  A local college chose regional winners, and Atlanta business leaders and media chose the 9 state winners.  Each state winner will receive a laptop computer, printer, and educational software applicable to their grade level.  High school seniors can opt for a $1,000 scholarship to an accredited college in lieu of prizes.

Luncheon highlights include:

• Speeches presented by the elementary and high school state winners in the public speaking category.
• Presentation of the CIS Education Leadership Award to State Board of Education Chair, Wanda Barrs
• Guest speaker, Agriculture Commissioner, Gary Black

There are 5 winners from the metro area. Interviews with students and parents can be arranged.  Find out how this dropout prevention organization is helping to make a difference in students' lives and working with Georgia educators to increase the graduation rate. To view SAM winning entries, visit http://www.cisga.org.

Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation's leading dropout prevention organization. CIS partners with local school districts and community organizations to connect resources and services to kids at-risk of dropping out and their families. Third-party experts validated that the CIS model is one of only a few programs that reduces dropout rates and increases student achievement, which leads to stronger economies and communities.  In Georgia, 40 CIS local affiliates and 19 Performance Learning Centers® provide services to more than 130,000 students in 53 school districts. Key programs include mentoring, tutoring, parent education, literacy, after-school programs, youth leadership, and PLCs. PLCs provide another learning option for high school students who are not succeeding in the traditional school setting. Communities sponsoring CIS programs have seen an increase in their school graduation rates, a decrease in violence and disruptions, and an increase in attendance and academic achievement. For more information, visit www.cisga.org or call 404-897-2955.

SOURCE Communities In Schools