IMG_5731Child Trends, a national research nonprofit, released a new report affirming the effectiveness and cost efficiency of Communities In Schools and its Integrated Student Supports (ISS) programs aimed at improving graduation rates. CIS, which is the largest provider of ISS in the country, uses a data-driven model that helps.

ISS programs in Georgia include whole-school prevention services and short-term intervention services such as food pantries, clothing and school supply drives, career fairs, field trips and health screenings.  Some students who require sustained services are on a CIS site coordinator’s caseload and receive sustained services such as home visits and connection to needed resources including professional counseling, mentors, tutors and after-school programs.  As a result of our ISS programs implemented by our local affiliates, site coordinators and volunteers during the 2012-13 school year, CIS at-risk students’ dropout rate was 14% lower than the state’s rate for all students.

Visit the Child Trends website to read the full report.