Every 26 seconds, a young person in America drops out of school. When students drop out, they are more likely to end up in poverty, suffer poor health, be dependent on social services, and enter the criminal justice system

Harrisburg, PA, May 16, 2014 – As kids around the country are graduating, Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania – part of the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping kids in school and helping them succeed in life – today released a report demonstrating the organization’s impact on dropout rates, highlighted by local success stories. The report was released as part of a national public awareness campaign featuring young people from around the country who have graduated from high school as a result of their involvement with Communities In Schools.

“The work we do has changed the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians, and we look forward to continuing our services and empowering students to stay in school. said Ryan Riley, President of Communities In Schools Pennsylvania, in the new report, entitled Changing the Picture of Education in Pennsylvania. “Our staff has the talent and past success to positively change the future for even more students across the Commonwealth.”

Every 26 seconds, a young person in America drops out of school. When students drop out, they are more likely to end up in poverty, suffer poor health, be dependent on social services, enter the criminal justice system and cost the U.S. billions of dollars each year in lost revenue and increased spending on government assistance programs. To change the picture in Pennsylvania, Communities In Schools is serving nearly 39,000 students in 58 schools this year, working hand in hand with districts, communities, partner organizations and families to surround students with a strong network of support.

According to the new report, Communities In Schools Pennsylvania achieved the following during the 2012-13 school year:

• 5 elementary schools, 12 middle schools and 41 high schools were served.
• Approximately 39,000 students were served by Communities In Schools Pennsylvania; 33,489 of students received Level One supports (school-wide prevention services) and 4,662 of students received Level Two supports (targeted and sustained interventions).
• 69% percent of seniors receiving targeted and sustained interventions (and for whom data were available) graduated.
• 75% percent of the students in grades K-11 who received targeted and sustained interventions (and for whom data were available) were promoted to the next grade.

“When I look at the state of education today and what it takes to serve the whole child—Communities in Schools is providing the solutions our schools, students and communities need” said C. Russell Mayo, Ed.D., Allentown School District Superintendent.

To raise awareness about Communities In Schools, a public awareness campaign is running nationwide, featuring short videos by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Errol Morris and photos by renowned photographer David Harriman. These videos and images are online at communitiesinschools.org.

Communities In Schools Pennsylvania is part of the national Communities In Schools network, which operates in more than 2,200 schools in the most challenged communities of 26 states and the District of Columbia. Working closely with school districts and partner organizations, Communities In Schools serves 1.3 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 Pennsylvania at www.cis-pa.org.

Changing the Picture of Education in Pennsylvania is one of more than two dozen Communities In Schools reports being released around the country today in time for graduations.

ATTENTION JOURNALISTS: For a full copy of the Communities In Schools Spring 2014 Report: Changing the Picture of Education in Pennsylvania, or to arrange interviews with local spokespersons, please contact: Ryan Riley, 610-800-8863/717-233-4330/Ryan@NoMoreDropouts.org. B-Roll is also available upon request.

Contact:
Ryan Riley
Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania
2101 North Front Street
Building 1, Suite 100
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-233-4330
SMICommunications@earthlink.net
http://cis-pa.org/