Posted on August 14, 2011

Project L.I.F.T Partners With Communities in Schools

Project L.I.F.T., a coalition of foundation and community leaders working to explore the most effective role for philanthropy in improving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, has announced a grant of $950,000 to Communities in Schools to enhance programming in West Charlotte corridor schools during the 2011-12 school year.

The partnership will build on CIS's existing programs, services, and community connections in the region and provide additional services that complement Project L.I.F.T.'s efforts in local schools. Shantiqua Neely will serve as CIS's program director for the effort, responsible for the management and coordination of CIS staff and programs at eight Project L.I.F.T. schools.

"Communities In Schools has a proven track record of keeping students on the graduation pathway," said Denise Watts, Project L.I.F.T.'s executive director. "This partnership is in natural alignment and supports the vision and mission of Project L.I.F.T. Our collective efforts, coupled with our focused philanthropic approach, will allow us to strategically line up both the private and public sectors around a plan to address this growing community issue, even in the face of budget cuts and constraints within the county and school district."