Attendance is the foundation for success in school, and we know that when students are given the support they need, their attendance goes up. That’s why Community PLUS Schools, a United Way of Anchorage community collaboration, connects the right students to the right supports at the right time.

Some of the most common ways we help kids are with school lunches, tutoring, after school clubs, and after school transportation. Students and their families are also connected to community resources, support in developing a network for assistance, and mentoring in building effective strategies that bolster children’s academic success.

United Way of Anchorage and the Anchorage School District have lead this collaboration for the past five years. Since it began, 491 students have been served with 599 academic and community supports, and our data shows they’re working. On average, 93% of students receiving two or more PLUS supports are meeting attendance goals compared with an average of 79% meeting them among Community PLUS Schools’ overall student populations.

Each year, Community PLUS Schools has expanded its impact and now reaches students in 13 schools. Our goal is to continue to reach more students and schools well into the future.

Our schools include:

So how does it work? It starts in the schools themselves. Teachers identify students who are missing too much school and could benefit from extra help. Students and their families are then referred to and work with a Community PLUS Schools Liaison who helps connect them with community partners and services that are tailored to address their individual needs. 

How can you get involved? Become a positive role model!

If you are interested in volunteering as a tutor, mentor or to help with homework and activities, contact us today!

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Thank you to our FY 2020 Funders!