Local CIS, Georgia College partnership spotlighted nationally

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October 1, 2012

Local CIS, Georgia College partnership spotlighted nationally

From staff reports The Union-Recorder The Union-Recorder Mon Oct 01, 2012, 03:55 PM EDT

MILLEDGEVILLE —

Communities In Schools of Milledgeville-Baldwin County (CISMBC) was recognized at the national level for its strong partnership within the community and with local colleges last month at the National CIS Convention in Washington, D.C.

The local nonprofit organization achieved national accreditation in early June by demonstrating compliance with all CIS Total Quality System (TQS) standards. CISMBC was one of the first to receive its national accreditation among the nearly 200 local affiliates that comprise the Communities In Schools network in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

With the partnership CISMBC has formed with the GIVE Center alone, some of the provided programs and volunteers include Youth Leaders America Conference to foster leadership and networking among local high school students, Smiley Kids Club for dental hygiene, Sequins & Smiles to supply high school girls with formal wear in exchange for civic service, March Madness to offer Saturday tutoring for CRCT (Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests) readiness, Read for the Record for improved literacy, and school supply and uniform drives.

“Georgia College contributes to the mission of CISMBC by providing talented and motivated volunteers from its pool of students, staff and professors. It also provides vital personnel, payroll and grant management support,” CISMBC Executive Director Sandy Baxter said. “Georgia College also provides office space and has donated more than $7,000 in computers, laptops and printers to support student office staff.”

As the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization, and the only one proven to increase graduation rates and decrease dropout rates, CIS connects students and their families to critical community resources tailored to local needs through a school-based coordinator.

After two years assisting the Baldwin County school system, CISMBC has served half of the area’s eight schools, established two comprehensive sites and provided services and support to two additional schools.

Community volunteers, leaders and education advocates will contribute their time to read to local youth as part of the Jumpstart’s Read for the Record annual event Thursday at the Early Learning Center, and Midway Elementary and Eagle Ridge Elementary schools.

For more information about the local CIS affiliate, visit www.milledgeville.communitiesinschools.org.

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