Meet some of our mountain-movers and obstacle-destroyers. You know them as students. Communities In Schools of Philadelphia knows them as young people who have overcome overwhelming odds to stay in school and on a path that will take them to dreams realized.

Students

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  Still I Succeed!

  Time was wasted for the crimes I committed. Time was spent living in placements and mental hospitals. I doubted my future. I doubted my ability to make it. I didn’t have faith. When it came to education I felt as if I didn’t have a place. Many would ask “do you see yourself graduating?” and […] Read on

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  Power of Parenting

  Tymir and Ajah are parenting a 2 year old son and although his arrival could have been a roadblock, they knew the strength in their partnership and they pushed forward. Although they didn’t attend the same school, both schools had a CIS Site Coordinator who offered them support and recognition for achievements. Read on

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  Opening Doors to Possibilities

  Constantly networking is what allowed Tibia to open doors. She often arrived at school very early after dropping her daughter off at daycare; many days with her overnight bag in hand to be ready for the next place she would stay. Read on

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  One Goal At A Time

  Emmanuel will leave a legacy with the other young fathers Ms. Gina asked him to mentor as they connected with Communities In Schools. Emmanuel, a proud Class of 2016 graduate, will continue on his path to success, setting one goal at a time. Read on

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  Now a Role Model

  Living proof that the national Communities In Schools model works: Fourteen years later, Irene, our ELECT alum, who I am proud to say that I still maintain a one-on-one relationship with today, is a Manager for a national hotel chain. And she’s still reaching new heights. She recently earned an Associate’s degree in Hospitality Management. And I was there to share that special moment with her. Read on

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  Natkwon’s Success

  When Site Coordinator, Regina Gibson “Ms. Gina”, met Natkwon he was starting his second senior year at his fourth high school and he seemed hesitant to put a lot of trust into his relationships. He had learned about Communities in Schools of Philadelphia through other young parents participating in its teen parent initiative and since Natkwon is a dedicated father of two toddlers, a boy and a girl, he felt the parenting support would be a good opportunity for helping him balance responsibilities and goals. Read on

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  Mentorship: The Key to Post-Secondary Success

  Robert J. is a graduate of Boys’ Latin Charter High School, a Junior Servant Leader, and a Fannie Lou Hamer Trainer with Philadelphia Freedom Schools, a math and literacy program of Communities In Schools of Philadelphia. He is a testament to the impact Communities In Schools of Philadelphia has on students and the community. Robert […] Read on

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  Getting Serious About Education

  “I was not always a good student, but with the help of my counselors and Communities In Schools Philadelphia Freedom Schools Program, I changed my ways, directed my energy in a positive manner, and the opportunities have been endless.” Roebuck, a 17-year-old senior at Philadelphia Military Academy (PMA), just returned to Philadelphia after a four-day […] Read on

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  A Mother on Her Way to College

  “I am excited; it is amazing being at this point in my life.” Terri , 20, has learned how to push through difficult days. She didn’t always feel that determined. In her senior year at a high school in West Philadelphia, Terri became pregnant, habitually missed classes and found it difficult to concentrate on school. […] Read on