Clayton State Partnership

On April 22, 2022, Clayton State University signed a memorandum of understanding forming a new partnership with Communities In Schools of Atlanta, a local affiliate of the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention program. Communities In Schools of Atlanta is expanding throughout Clayton County, and this strategic partnership will help the university continue to fulfill its mission to inspire, empower, and educate the region for leadership and success.

“Communities in Schools does an incredible job providing services that move students from graduation to careers. This is a natural partnership that we are very excited about, and we believe our collaborative support and systems will effectively serve students of Communities in Schools, Clayton State University, and the local region,” said Kerry L. Heyward, interim president, Clayton State University.

In their individual endeavors, Clayton State and Communities In Schools of Atlanta positively impact the lives of south metro Atlanta students. This collaboration will strengthen their shared goals to further bolster student success and quality of life.

Dr. Eric Tack, interim vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Success, Clayton State University said, “This has been several years in the making. Communities in Schools of Atlanta is looking to expand its efforts and bring its recipe for success to post-secondary institutions. We are excited they chose us to be an official partner. Us coming together today at Clayton State University is not just for enrollment but as a representation of our commitment to helping support students through graduation. This is important as we know that our graduates return to work and live in the communities we serve.”

Clayton State’s work with Communities In Schools of Atlanta will empower and equip students to overcome the barriers that stand between them and an equitable path to education.

“Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. A high school diploma is not enough. Ninety-nine percent of the students we serve are Black and brown kids from low-income situations. They live in communities that have been hit hardest by inflation,” said Frank Brown, chief executive officer, Communities In Schools of Atlanta. “We must be the innovators of a new model. That includes making sure our students graduate from college, if that is part of their plan. We hope to have students attending and graduating from Clayton State every year.”