School-based coordinators link students to community resources

Inside the imposing concrete walls of the A. Philip Randolph Career Academies in Jacksonville, Fla., Ingrid Thomas learns firsthand of the career aspirations of all 445 students who attend the school. As a school-based support coordinator for Communities in Schools, she gets to know well the young people attending this career academy to learn trades and become prepared for college. For each of the past six years, she has also worked closely with about 65 students to manage support and services that go beyond the classroom.

“The majority of my students are from low-income families who not only need academic and career planning supports but also often benefit from access to health care, counseling, and even basic supports such as food, clothing, and school supplies,” said Thomas. “I meet with students, teachers, and their families to determine their needs and find the supports to help them be successful at this school.”

Thomas is one of more than 2,000 school-based support coordinators for Communities In Schools, the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization, providing what is known as Integrated Student Support services (ISS). Through its 155-affiliate organizations, Communities In Schools (www.communitiesinschools.org) serves nearly 1.5 million students and families working in partnership with more than 2,300 school and community-based sites across the country.