Student Success
If you are interested in learning more about how Communities In Schools impacts kids in Georgia, read our CIS stories below. If you have a CIS success story that you would like to see featured, please send to printern@cisgeorgia.org.
New Program Aims To Increase Science Test Scores
A new partnership has flourished thanks to Jackie Whitt, Cobb County Performance Learning Center® (PLC) principal and Dr. Army Lester at Kennesaw State University. PLCs provide an alternative learning environment for high school kids who are not succeeding in the traditional school setting. The goal of the new the science program is to improve student’s critical thinking skills and provide realistic information regarding science careers. The curriculum is aligned with the state’s high school science curriculum. PLC students are engaged in hands-on learning experiences in the area of science with laboratory experiments conducted by college students. “This program helped me understand some of the components involved with science and I’m sure I will increase my test scores as a result. I have also become interested in attending Kennesaw State and majoring in science,” said Raven Greer, PLC student. Click here to learn how students and their peer tutors view the classes.
Mock Job Interviews With A Twist
The Southside Performance Learning Center® in Brunswick wanted students to experience mock job interviewing from a different perspective during their Day of Caring event sponsored by the United Way. Each business representative had a different persona. Some were busy doing other things while interviewing, others were grouchy and disengaged. These scenarios provided students with insight into how to act and react when these types of distractions occur. “It really helped me because it taught me to be respectful no matter what the interviewer is doing or how they’re acting,” said PLC senior Jakarri Hughes.
During the event, students also received resume writing tips and participated in a roundtable discussion with business professionals regarding how to articulate strengths and respond to tough questions.
Mentoring Makes A Difference
Picture: Brandi Thompson and Shaniya West
Brandi Thompson, who has young kids of her own, step up to the plate and became a mentor. Brandi’s advice to others is to just do it. “You may not feel prepared, capable or worthy to mentor someone else but you will be greatly rewarded. The training I received prior to mentoring was very enjoyable, interactive and I felt I was equipped to mentor!” Brandi finds the experience rewarding. She has learned patience and knows it doesn’t matter what you bring to your mentee as long as you are committed.
Mentoring is a key program with many of CIS of Georgia’s local affiliates. CIS of Bleckley County is in their second year of an aggressive campaign to match mentors with students in need. Although they have 35 mentors, there are more than 20 males who still need mentors. To learn more about mentoring opportunities in Bleckley and other cities in Georgia, visit http://www.georgiamentoring.org.