We are the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization because we do whatever it takes. Our unique model positions site coordinators inside schools to assess the needs of students and to provide them resources that will help them stay in school and succeed in life. We partner with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers and volunteers. Whether it’s providing food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance or a positive role model, Communities In Schools is there to help.

Communities In Schools of Golden Crescent is changing the picture of education for nearly 25,000 students and their families every year. We do that by working with the most vulnerable students in kindergarten through the senior year of high school by operating inside school districts in some of the most challenged communities within Bexar County.

Communities In Schools’ site coordinators are each assigned a school. They serve on the management team of the school and collaborate with staff to identify students at risk of dropping out. In addition, the site coordinators forge community partnerships that bring programs and funding to the school in order to benefit students. Every year, Communities In Schools performs an annual needs assessment to determine what services students require most and how our organization can best deliver the services. Communities In Schools becomes involved in a school only at the invitation of the school or school district.

A site coordinator is a paid staff member positioned inside a Communities In Schools’ partner school. He or she fills a pivotal role as the single point of contact working within a school to provide integrated student supports. Site coordinators connect students and families with community resources that address both academic and nonacademic needs. They act as positive role models, mentors and friends to students supported by Communities In Schools and do everything within their power to help students succeed.

The training and experience of Communities In Schools’ site coordinators varies, although the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree preferably in a human services field such as social work, psychology or sociology. Most have extensive experience and educational background in youth development. Many have advanced degrees and licenses related to social work and counseling. All are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students. Once hired, Communities In Schools site coordinators receive comprehensive orientation and training for their specific roles and responsibilities.

This rigorous training program includes:

• Building community partnerships.

• Student- and family-needs assessment.

• Level One and Level Two service implementation.

• Data collection and reporting.

• Effective school coordination.

• Site coordinators also have the opportunity to complete a 16-month certification program — the highest level of professional development offered by Communities In Schools.

As an agency, the average number of direct hours given to a case-managed student is up to 20 hours during the school year.

• One-on-on counseling focusing on anger management, grief, self-esteem, positive choices, social skills, etc.

• Group activities that help with self-esteem, homework, reading skills, writing, leadership, life skills, etc.

• Enrichment activities to expand students’ horizons such as trips to museums and parks.

• STEM/STEAM after-school programs

• University and college tours

• Meeting with community mentors each week

• Service Learning Projects/Community Service

• Job shadows at local companies

• Providing students with basic needs

• Food packs so students have something to eat during the weekend

• Eye glasses

• Hygiene packs (tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner, etc/)

• Uniforms

• Bus passes

• Help in obtaining prescription medications

• New and clean undergarments for elementary students

• Shoes

• Holiday gifts and meals

• Baby gifts/essentials for teen parents

• We also bring resources to the school such as dental screenings and financial literacy classes for parents

Communities In Schools formally serves K-12 students, but our site coordinators frequently stay in touch with students beyond high school. Many continue to be a positive force in students’ lives after the students graduate from high school, and provide moral support as young people strike out on their own.

We measure our performance methodically, carefully evaluate all aspects of our programs and use this knowledge to constantly improve. To learn more about this data and our research efforts.

Please email your request to carmenheralara@gcworkforce.org and one of our team members will provide more information.

There are numerous ways — in short, you can donate or volunteer. Make an investment in the future of our city by donating to Communities In Golden Crescent which supports thousands of students each year. Or, give us your time by joining thousands of volunteers who help us serve nearly 25,000 young people every year.

Approximately 85 percent of the organization’s expenses go directly to program work supporting students.

Communities In Schools’ work is funded through numerous sources, including federal and corporate grants, as well as foundation and individual donations.

To request an interview with a Communities In Schools of the Golden Crescent member, please contact the Managing Director, Carmen Herrera Lara at 361-578-0341 or carmenherreralara@gcworkforce.org.