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Communities in Schools of Washington State 

Description

Across 12 communities (5 in King County) Communities In Schools of Washington helps connect at-risk youth with the social services, academic assistance, and caring adult role models they need to stay in school and succeed. Most of the population served by Communities In Schools (90%) is eligible for free and reduced lunch programs at school, indicating significant poverty, and 65% are students of color. The goal of Communities In Schools of Washington is to reduce the dropout rate in the state by serving more students at more school sites, and increasing the depth of services within existing sites.

Mission Statement
The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
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Communities in Schools of Washington State
1010 S 336th St Ste 205 
Federal Way 
WA
98003-7354 
(253) 248-1991 

Susan Richards 
Executive Director 

Programs

Communities in Schools of Washington State Programs

Communities In Schools uses a school-based site coordinator model to partner with existing community service providers, businesses, volunteers, and other organizations to address the unique needs of each school and student. This ensures support is leveraged efficiently and targeted where it is needed most, resulting in strong outcomes. Last year, of the children served throughout the Washington network, 79% improved academic performance, and 73% improved attendance – key indicators that kids are on track to stay in school and graduate with their class. Of the youth served in middle and high schools, 98% stayed in schools, and 92% of high school seniors graduated.

The Communities In Schools of Washington state office strengthens services to children by providing local affiliate executive directors, staff, and boards with the knowledge, tools, and resources across four functions to build strong organizations providing effective site coordination to keep students in schools. These four functions are organizational capacity building, program delivery, partnership and resource development, and public relations and marketing.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

The Corporation for National & Community Service recently awarded Communities In Schools of Washington a grant for 20 AmeriCorps positions to perform site coordination services across the state. In addition, the Communities In Schools of Washington state office recently received accreditation from the national office. Seven affiliate offices have been accredited as well, and the remaining are in progress. Accreditation involves a rigorous evaluation process to ensure compliance with national quality standards proven to have the greatest impact on students at risk of dropping out.

Communities In Schools of Washington served nearly 46,000 kids last year, but for every student we kept in school, many more still needed help in districts without adequate support. Communities In Schools of Washington needs additional resources from private and public sources to allow for expansion of site coordinator services throughout Washington state.

Evaluation


Communities in Schools works to remove barriers to school success for students through coordination of enrichment and support services at school sites. CIS Washington (CISWA) supports CIS affiliates statewide by providing training and technical assistance in the areas of professional development, program design and evaluation, fundraising, and marketing. During the 2009-2010 school year, CIS affiliates in King County (Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, Seattle, and Kent) provided intensive individual services to more than 1,700 students, while serving approximately 20,000 students through school-wide programming.

Proven Success
In 2010-2011, CISWA results show that 70% of CIS students referred for behavioral issues showed improvement; 71% with attendance challenges increased their attendance, and 81% (a 10% increase over previous year) of those referred because they were struggling in school demonstrated academic improvement. During that same year, of the middle and high school students who received individualized attention, 98% stayed in school, 87% were promoted a grade, and 92% of seniors graduated.

Strong Leadership
CISWA was selected to lead a national pilot that resulted in Washington having one of the first four accredited Communities in Schools affiliates in the country. CISWA’s executive director has served more than nine years on the CIS National Evaluation Advisory Committee and was recently named to the U.S. Department of Education’s new Northwest Regional Advisory Committee.

Collaboration
CISWA's King County affiliates have strong relationships with key stakeholders - superintendents, principals, teachers, businesses, social service agencies and other community leaders.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
3/10/2013 $20,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/10/2012 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/10/2011 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2008 $20,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/14/2006 $50,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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