Communities In Schools of Georgia, Inc. Market Research Report
Background
Overview
Communities In Schools of Georgia, Inc. (CIS of Georgia) is a non-profit organization dedicated to dropout prevention and educational support. Established in 1989, it operates as the state's leading dropout prevention entity, serving over 244 schools and four community sites across 38 counties. The organization focuses on connecting vulnerable students with essential resources to ensure their academic success and personal development.
Mission and Vision
CIS of Georgia's mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. The vision is to create a state free of dropouts, where every student has the opportunity to graduate high school prepared for success.
Primary Area of Focus
The organization primarily focuses on dropout prevention, providing comprehensive support services to students at risk of academic failure or disengagement. These services include mentoring, tutoring, health and wellness programs, and family engagement initiatives.
Industry Significance
As part of the national Communities In Schools network, CIS of Georgia contributes to a broader movement aimed at reducing dropout rates and improving educational outcomes across the United States. Its localized approach allows for tailored interventions that address specific community needs, enhancing the overall impact of the organization.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Dropout Prevention: Implement strategies to identify and support students at risk of dropping out, ensuring they remain engaged and complete their education.
- Academic Support: Provide tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment programs to enhance students' academic performance.
- Family and Community Engagement: Foster partnerships with families and community organizations to create a supportive network for students.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- Integrated Support Services: Offer a holistic approach by addressing academic, social, and emotional needs of students.
- Mentorship Programs: Connect students with caring adults who provide guidance and support.
- Health and Wellness Initiatives: Ensure students have access to necessary health services and promote overall well-being.
Key Technologies Utilized
While specific technologies are not detailed in the available sources, organizations like CIS of Georgia typically employ data management systems to track student progress, communication platforms for coordination among stakeholders, and educational tools to support learning.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
CIS of Georgia primarily targets students in K-12 education who are at risk of academic failure or dropping out, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The organization operates in 38 counties across Georgia, focusing on both urban and rural communities.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
CIS of Georgia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, indicating it relies on a combination of federal and state grants, private donations, and fundraising efforts to support its operations. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.
Notable Investors
As a non-profit, CIS of Georgia does not have investors in the traditional sense. However, it receives support from various stakeholders, including government agencies, private foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
Intended Utilization of Capital
The funds are utilized to expand and enhance the organization's programs, including hiring additional staff, developing new initiatives, and improving existing services to better support students and communities.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
CIS of Georgia's "pipeline" consists of the students it serves, with a focus on those at risk of dropping out. The organization provides continuous support from early education through high school graduation, ensuring students have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
Stages of Development
The organization operates at various stages, from early intervention programs in elementary schools to intensive support services in high schools, aiming to address the unique needs of students at each educational level.
Target Conditions
CIS of Georgia addresses conditions such as academic underachievement, absenteeism, behavioral issues, and lack of access to essential resources like healthcare and mentorship.
Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
While specific timelines are not provided, the organization sets annual goals aligned with the academic calendar, focusing on increasing graduation rates and reducing dropout rates each year.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
Specific proprietary technologies are not detailed in the available sources.
Significant Scientific Methods
CIS of Georgia employs evidence-based practices, including the CIS Model, which has been validated by independent evaluations to effectively reduce dropout rates and improve graduation rates.
AI-Driven Capabilities
There is no specific information available regarding the use of AI-driven capabilities within CIS of Georgia's operations.
Leadership Team
Carol F. Lewis | President & CEO
Carol F. Lewis became the second president of Communities In Schools of Georgia on August 1, 2014. Her involvement with the organization began in 1989 as a volunteer and mentor in Troup County. She has held various roles, including executive director of an affiliate, community development specialist, and Chief Operating Officer. In her current role, she leads the staff and local affiliates to strengthen partnerships with school districts and reduce dropout rates among at-risk students in Georgia.
Leslie [Last Name Not Provided] | Chief Program Officer
Leslie has been with the organization for 18 years, serving in various capacities. Raised in a single-parent household, she understands the challenges faced by single parents and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in a child's success. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, she integrates her expertise in education and mental health to empower her team and make a lasting impact.
Jamie Fergerson | Chief Philanthropy Officer
Jamie brings two decades of experience leading nonprofit and philanthropic initiatives, focusing on equity, community engagement, and organizational transformation. Her career spans nonprofit, corporate, government, and startup sectors. A graduate of Georgia State University, she holds an MBA and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Change Management. She resides in Atlanta with her family and volunteers with local organizations advancing education, equity, and inclusion.
Paula Goodman | Chief Operating Officer
Paula Goodman joined CIS of Georgia as the Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 20 years of strategic business development experience from roles at The Coca-Cola Company and Best Buy Stores. Her strengths include strategic business development, personnel management, and training program implementation. A military veteran, she holds a BS from Kansas State University and an MBA from Brenau University. She resides in Atlanta with her family.
Linda Kelley | Chief Administrative Officer
Linda Kelley has been with Communities In Schools since 1997, overseeing network evaluation efforts and currently serving as Chief Administrative Officer. She holds a Master's degree in Sociology and Applied Social Research from Tulane University and Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Biology from Newcomb College at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The educational support and dropout prevention sector in Georgia is characterized by a mix of non-profit organizations, government initiatives, and community programs. The market is driven by the need to address high dropout rates and improve educational outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. Organizations like CIS of Georgia play a crucial role in providing targeted interventions and support services.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors include other non-profit organizations and local government programs focused on education and youth development. For instance, Communities In Schools of Atlanta operates within the same geographic area, offering similar services aimed at dropout prevention and student support. Additionally, various community-based organizations and school district initiatives contribute to the competitive landscape.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
CIS of Georgia collaborates with local school districts, community organizations, and government agencies to enhance its service delivery. These partnerships enable the organization to leverage additional resources, share expertise, and expand its reach to more students in need.
Operational Insights
CIS of Georgia differentiates itself through its comprehensive, community-based approach, integrating various support services to address the multifaceted challenges students face. The organization's long-standing presence and established relationships within Georgia's educational system provide a competitive advantage in effectively implementing its programs.
