Southern Exposure
North Carolina Joins the Network

Citizen Schools kicks off its 12th academic year this fall with two new programs at Charlotte's Eastway and Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle Schools.   Our new family members mark an exciting growth period for Citizen Schools.   This fall Citizen Schools will open its first programs in the Southeast and will educate children and strengthen communities in 30 schools nationwide -- that's 26% more schools than in the 2005-2006 academic year!

To support Citizen Schools growth in Charlotte and across our network, click here.

Citizen Schools considered opening programs in several new states as part of its robuse expansion.   Citizen Schools National Director Ila Shah explains that North Carolina was selected due to the "vibrant civic engagement" of Charlotte residents.   The spirit of philanthropy ingrained in the city's culture creates an environment where the Citizen Schools apprenticeship program will thrive.  

Charlotte has very high hopes for the Citizen Schools program.   The Eastway and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Schools are among the lowest performing in the district.   Despite the challenges, both schools have committed principals who want intensive after-school programs to reinforce their efforts and to make positive changes.   "These schools were hand-selected by the superintendent to get a Citizen Schools program as a way to complement the hard work of the principals," Shah said.

All of the Citizen Schools Bostonians who were involved in launching the North Carolina site have been enjoying the southern hospitality.   Generous sponsors, a warm community, and a corporate sector committed to supporting after-school efforts has made for a smooth expansion.   "School officials were very interested in having us in their schools.   They were very welcoming," Shah said.  

To view this page on the web, click here :: To forward this article to a friend, click here
To subscribe to this newsletter, click here :: To unsubscribe to this newsletter, click here

CITIZEN SCHOOLS
308 CONGRESS STREET
BOSTON, MA 02210
TEL 617.695.2300      FAX 617.695.2367
[ www.citizenschools.org ]