Bellingham Public Schools are partnering with Communities in Schools of Whatcom County, part of the nation's largest dropout prevention organization, to better support educationally at-risk youth and their families. The partnership will provide community connections to services and resources that include:

• A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult through mentoring and counseling programs
• A safe place to learn and grow through after-school programs, social and cultural events with parental involvement
• Health, dental and basic services, such as food and clothing, and supplemental educational programs, such as early childhood learning opportunities
• Skills and tools to use upon graduation, including career and academic support
• An opportunity to give back to peers and community through community service

"Our mission is to connect schools with existing resources through the formation of strong partnerships. We bring the community into schools," says Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Whatcom County Dennis D'Amelio. "We will be approaching local organizations and businesses to join us in this important effort."

Communities in Schools of Whatcom County helps champion the connection of needed community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life. Starting this fall, the nonprofit organization will begin working in Bellingham and Nooksack School Districts. In Bellingham, Communities in Schools is meeting with several principals to determine students' greatest needs and help those schools form strong community partnerships to support children and their families.

"Community engagement is essential for children's success in school," says Superintendent Kenneth Vedra. "We look forward to working closely with Communities in Schools and value our partnership because any student leaving us to head out into today's world without a high school diploma and 21st Century skills is one too many. Surrounding our most at-risk children with community support, beginning in early childhood, will help all students succeed as they progress through grade 12 and beyond."

For more information about Communities in Schools of Whatcom County, contact info@ciswhatcom or (360) 778-3759.

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