LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
The Changing Lives Community Fund donated a joint award of $125,000 to Communities in Schools of Nevada and Teach for America Las Vegas.
The funds will be used to expand the CIS Academy program by bringing it to Chaparral High School this fall.
CISN will collaborate with select Teach For America teachers to implement the CIS academy curriculum at Chaparral High School.
Students who are at risk of dropping out because of credit deficiency and poor attendance will be recommended to enroll in the program.
The CIS Academy elective course will provide a structured curriculum to help those who participate to prepare for life beyond high school.
The program features life skills training, goal setting, college and career exploration, and wraparound support from a full-time CISN site coordinator.
"Students face a variety of challenges that can hinder their success in school, and it is our mission to help them overcome these barriers so they can achieve in life," said Terri Clark, CEO of Communities In Schools of Nevada. "The collaboration between CISN and Teach For America was a seamless partnership allowing us to expand our proven efforts to a new group of at-risk students."
The CISN site coordinator will address the underlying obstacles to attendance, academic success and graduation by offering Chaparral students campus-wide programming and access to basic resources.
"This generous gift from Changing Lives Community Fund will support our collaboration with Communities In Schools of Nevada to ensure that all students have the educational opportunities they deserve," said Victor Wakefield, executive director of Teach For America. "We are very thankful for Changing Lives Community Fund's commitment to educational equity and excellence."
The Changing Lives Community Fund was set up by Stan Tomchin, to address the un-met needs of the Las Vegas community and make a difference in the lives of others.
For more information about CISN or Teach For America, visit www.cisnevada.org or www.teachforamerica.org.
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