Building Communities In Schools in Alaska

Pupose of the CIS State of Alaska Project.

This project began about 5 years ago. At that time there were no local CIS programs in any communities and no state office. OJJDP funding has allowed for the creation of six local CIS sites and now a State Office in AK - now expanding the total number of states with CIS State offices to fifteen (15).

The project's purpose is to mobilize local community assets in Alaska to help students succeed in school by addressing locally identified needs, early literacy, high school success, supportive pathways to college, and preparation for the workforce. The population to be served is students at-risk of dropping out of school before graduation.

Activities will include: capacity building of the Communities In Schools (CIS) Alaska State Office and six local affiliates; building sustainable funding strategies at the state and local levels; ongoing local community assessment; training and technical assistance; ongoing partnership development at the state and local levels; enhanced mentoring activities; and project evaluation for continuous improvement.

All activities will be documented for performance measure purposes. Research has shown that student attendance at school, behavior, and achievement are leading indicators of eventual student success or failure in completing high school. Research also links truancy and dropping out of school to delinquency. Communities In Schools is an established process promoting positive outcomes for youth by mobilizing community assets to address identified needs.

CIS National will continue to enhance capacity building at the state office and local affiliate level, and provide leadership to promote an aligned network ensuring positive outcomes for children in Alaska.NCA/NCF