State Farm grants $15,000 to CISL

Communities In Schools of Lakewood (CISL) has received a $15,500 grant from State Farm to support its work to help more students stay in school and graduate on time.

"There are two Communities In Schools billboards in Lakewood that state, 'Schools cannot do it alone'. The public, private, and non-profit sectors must increase their collaborative efforts to ensure that more students in Clover Park schools get the support they need reach their potential. Corporations like State Farm, who have an eye on the future, are making a real difference by supporting after-school programs and encouraging employees to volunteer in schools. Because State Farm has chosen to adopt Tillicum Elementary, soon there will be teacher's aids in the classrooms, mentors with individual students and volunteers to help out where needed", stated Dave O’Keeffe, Director of CISL.

As a leader in an industry that is dependent on well-educated, critical-thinking associates, State Farm knows the importance of having a qualified work force. It is paramount that every child has the chance to graduate from high school so that he or she will have the opportunity to succeed in the future, no matter what is happening in our world today. The children we teach and parent will soon be the backbone of our workforce--defining our country and our economy. State Farm is fully behind Communities in Schools, because studies prove this program works.

In 2008, the Communities In Schools national office released initial results from the midpoint of its five-year longitudinal study. The study, conducted by ICF International, a global consulting and research firm, produced three major findings. One of the most notable findings is that the Communities In Schools model of providing integrated student services has a stronger impact on school-level outcomes than providing services for students in an uncoordinated fashion.

Submitted by Dave O’Keeffe

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