The mission of Communities In Schools of North Texas is to provide and coordinate community based solutions that equip at-risk students to overcome barriers, succeed in school and prepare for life.

Communities In Schools of North Texas Opens 8 New After School Programs in Denton

Denton, TX – October 28, 2008:

Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) has opened 8 new after school programs in Denton ISD this month. The new CISNT after school programs are funded through a five year Texas Education Agency 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. The after school program is a collaborative effort between Communities In Schools of North Texas, Denton ISD, University of North Texas, United Way of Denton County The Village Church and Wells Fargo Bank.

In addition to CISNT’s school based dropout prevention programs serving students at Borman Elementary, Rivera Elementary, Calhoun Middle and Denton High School, CISNT’s new after school programs provide academic enrichment and support for students at Evers Park Elementary, Hodge Elementary, Lee Elementary, Newton Rayzor Elementary, Calhoun Middle, Navo Middle, Strickland Middle and Denton High School.

“The 21st Century Community Learning Center after school program is a complex and robust after school endeavor that I am confident will support the great work our students and teachers are accomplishing together during the school day,” said Gary Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Communities In Schools of North Texas. “It will take CISNT and our collaborative partners several months to fully implement the depth and breadth of the programs that we have defined for these 8 schools and it is our expectation that over time the results will be seen in our students.”

The purpose of the 21st Century Community Learning Center after school program is to provide academic enrichment to students that will increase their success in school. Support for parents will include financial literacy training, adult education through Denton ISD programs, tax preparation assistance training and Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) preparation training from the United Way of Denton County and Wells Fargo Bank and college readiness activities through the University of North Texas.

CISNT is actively seeking volunteers who will donate one hour a week as a mentor to a student. Volunteers are trained by CISNT staff to prepare them for a successful mentoring experience. Last year more than 1,100 volunteers served as school-based mentors with CISNT donating over 14,000 hours of service. CISNT staff hope to dramatically increase the level of volunteer mentorship in Denton through these new after school programs.

Individuals or groups interested in learning more about becoming a CISNT volunteer mentor should visit www.CISNT.org or call (972) 436-6377. Communities In Schools of North Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

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