PAC announces unique partnership with Communities in Schools
February 22, 2022
Alamo Colleges District-Palo Alto College announced a new partnership with Communities In Schools – San Antonio, the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping students in school and helping them succeed in life. The new, first-of-its-kind Re-Engagement Partnership seeks to re-engage college students on a one-to-one basis both virtually and via home visits.
“Supporting students at all aspects of their journey at Palo Alto College, from enrollment to graduation, is imperative to one of our core values – Students First,” said Dr. Robert Garza, president of Palo Alto College. “And through strategic partnerships, we can continue to fulfill our mission to inspire, empower, and educate our community for leadership and success.”
It’s widely known that a significant percentage of high school students who grow up in underserved communities may never consider college as an option because of family obligations, competing work schedules, or financial challenges. These students are often the first in their families to pursue college or university and thus require more attention to be a successful student. This is why Palo Alto College has partnered with one of the largest, most effective dropout prevention organizations dedicated to keeping students in school.
“It is to do the right thing and go look for our kids, go look for our students and say – “We are here for you, and we are going to do everything we can to break obstacles so you can be the greatest you can be,” said Jessica Weaver, CEO of Communities In Schools of San Antonio.
During the press announcement, attendees heard from Chantz Boyd, a Palo Alto College student studying Business Entrepreneurship, to become a professional sports agent. Chantz started college during the pandemic and is a single father. He had to make the tough decision to set school aside to keep his family safe. Chantz is just one example of the successful outcomes of this partnership. After a visit from Communities In Schools, Chantz was provided with the tools he needed to re-enroll into college.
Out of 949 students, Communities In Schools have contacted, more than 33% of those students have enrolled back into college to complete their semester. The innovative agreement will empower staff from Communities In Schools to be housed at Palo Alto College, which will allow more efficient access to student data and support services. Staff members will be making at-home visits to provide students with presentations and pamphlets related to mentoring, FAFSA assistance, scholarships, school supplies, resources to address students’ basic needs, and more.
About Palo Alto College
Palo Alto College, part of the Alamo Colleges District, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and a recipient of the 2015 Texas Award for Performance Excellence, a finalist for the 2016 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and a Rising Star winner of the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. With over 9,000 students, Palo Alto College is accredited to offer associate degrees and short-term certificates. The College is located on the south side of San Antonio at 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. at I-410 and Texas Hwy 16 and online at alamo.edu/pac.
About Communities In Schools
For over 30 years, Communities In Schools of San Antonio has been helping students achieve in school, graduate, and go on to bright futures. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We are 1 of 135 affiliates in the country of Communities In Schools, the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping kids in school and helping them succeed in life. Our unique model positions site coordinators inside schools to assess students’ needs and provide resources to help them succeed in the classroom and in life. We partner with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers, and volunteers. Whether it’s food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance, or a positive role model, Communities In Schools is there to help.
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