Coalition for Community Schools

As one of CDC's partners, the Coalition for Community Schools' (CCS) mission is to mobilize the resources and capacity of multiple sectors and institutions to create a united movement for community schools. CCS advocates for community schools as the vehicle for strengthening schools, families and communities so that together they can improve student learning.

CCS is an alliance of national, state and local organizations involved in K–college education, youth development, community planning and development, family support, health and human services, government and philanthropy as well as national, state and local community school networks.

The goals of CCS include the following:

• Share information about successful community school policies, programs and practices.
• Build broader public understanding and support for community schools.
• Expand on public- and private-sector policies to strengthen community schools.
• Develop sustainable sources of funding for community schools.
  
  

What are Community Schools?

A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone—all day, every day, evenings and weekends.

By using public schools as hubs, community schools bring together many partners to offer a range of support and opportunities to children, youth, families and communities. Partners work to achieve the following conditions for children:

• The school has a core instructional program with qualified teachers, a challenging curriculum, and high standards and expectations for students.
• Students are motivated and engaged in learning—both in school and community settings, during and after school.
• The basic physical, mental and emotional health needs of young people and their families are recognized and addressed.
• There is mutual respect and effective collaboration among parents, families and school staff.
• Community engagement, together with school efforts, promotes a school climate that is safe, supportive and respectful, and connects students to a broader learning community.

Community sites vary in their activities, services and support, but an average site offers a wide variety of programs, with education-related services among the most common. In addition, many sites

• Address preventive and acute health needs.
• Assist families in meeting basic food, clothing and shelter needs.
• Improve family functioning through child care, child protective services and parenting classes.
• Foster employment through career services, counseling and job training.
• Provide recreational opportunities.
  
  

More Information

CCS continues to work with other CDC partners and colleagues to promote quality school health programs. For more information on other CCS initiatives, visit CCS online.