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.

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  Young Mother on Her Way to College

  “I am excited; it is amazing being at this point in my life.” Terri Thomas, 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

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  Planning for a Successful Future

  Jennifer Polanco, a graduate of Excel Academy South, is looking forward to greater things. In September of 2012, she began her post-secondary studies at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP). Jennifer never thought about going to college. Instead, she considered getting a 180-day certification at a local community services organization and finding a job at one […] Read on

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  Overcoming All Odds

  Cassandra is not your typical 19-year-old. A senior in high school living completely on her own and supporting herself, she has an impeccable will, an indomitable spirit, and an outlook far beyond her years. “You can hear the determination in her voice – she’s sincere,” Cassandra’s Communities In School (CIS) site coordinator Mrs. Sellers said. […] 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 Dredden, a 17-year-old senior at Philadelphia Military Academy (PMA), just returned to Philadelphia after a […] Read on

Volunteers

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  Working with Young Mothers

  Bessi volunteered five to six hours a week and looked forward to forming relationships with the students. It isn’t surprising to see Bessi Fernandez conversing with young teens about life, because she is all about helping young ladies. When Bessi was a volunteer at Communities In Schools of Philadelphia, she was a junior at Temple […] Read on

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  Volunteer Snapshot: Making the Right Choices

    Tyeisha Goldsmith is a dedicated volunteer who wanted to give back and share her experiences to help young students to succeed. An alumnus of Overbook High School, Tyeisha is currently pursuing a degree in social work from Temple University. Tyeisha is no stranger to overcoming challenges. When she had her daughter in high school, […] Read on

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  Volunteer Snapshot: Giving Much Needed Support

  Maribel Andrade always knew she had a unique gift that enabled her to connect with teens. A senior at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, she is earning a bachelor’s degree in social work, with a minor in sociology. Maribel enjoys working with adolescents and helping them overcome the many challenges they face. Currently, Maribel is […] Read on

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  Volunteer Snapshot: Giving Back to Those in Need

  “I chose to volunteer with Communities In Schools of Philadelphia’s ELECT program, because I loved working with youth and I hoped to serve this population as a professional.” N’Keya Peters has been volunteering since February 2012 with ELECT (Education Leading to Employment and Career Training) teen parent classrooms, a program which is a partnership between […] Read on