Community Schools Initiative

The Tucson Community Schools Initiative was born out of the 2014 Tucson Mayor’s Poverty Commission which identified the community school model as an effective strategy to address poverty and promote volunteer opportunities in Arizona. Amazing AmeriCorps members served in the Sunnyside Unified, Tucson Unified, and Chicanos Por La Causa districts.

In its six years, the Community Schools Initiative:

Supported 85% of students graduating from high school by connecting them with a post graduation opportunities
Helped increase the rate of graduating seniors completing the FAFSA to 43.96%.
Engaged 705 volunteers to provide tutoring, mentoring, and assistance with school initiatives.
Hosted resource nights where families can access tax assistance, SNAP and AHCCCS enrollment, and FAFSA assistance.

Through partnerships with La Frontera and Higher Ground, members trained and supported specific interventions to reduce chronic absenteeism. Additional members who focused on service learning opportunities were placed at partner agencies, higher education institutions, and government offices to foster improved access to community resources.

"We want to recognize our vision for Pueblo, that it becomes the healthiest place our students can be. I want to thank all those who carry the water to make this happen and that’s our AmeriCorps members."