MARIETTA - Communities In Schools of Georgia has been awarded a $149,499 grant from AT&T Georgia to support two priority program components - the Governor's Cup Challenge and enhancement of the curriculum for CIS of Georgia Performance Learning Center 2.0. The grant will direct $74,499 to support the Governor's Cup Challenge and $75,000 will be used to assist in creating the next-generation PLC.

The Governor's Cup Challenge is part of Gov. Sonny Perdue's efforts to improve students' performance on the SAT and their potential for success in post-secondary education. In 2004, he established the Governor's Cup Challenge to motivate Georgia's high schools to improve SAT scores through a friendly competition. The Challenge allows schools to compete on a 3-year average gains from their most recent SAT average based on scores from participating seniors in critical reading, math and writing. Most recent SAT scores are obtained by combining the critical reading, math and writing scores from the most recent administration of the test. This year CIS of Georgia served as the nonprofit funding vehicle for this initiative.

"The Governor's Cup has generated excitement in schools about raising SAT scores, which would not be possible without AT&T's sponsorship," Gov. Perdue said. "I always enjoy visiting the yearly winners and seeing the pride of the students, teachers, administrators and community leaders when their school brings home one of those big trophies."

CIS of Georgia pioneered the PLCs to serve students who are not succeeding in the traditional school setting. PLCs meet students at their current academic skill and social development levels, rather than where they "should" be. The positive school culture is built on healthy relationships and an environment of high expectations that give students ample opportunity to proceed through a relevant and rigorous instructional program. PLCs also provide an opportunity for students to get back on track, graduate, and prepare for post-secondary education and careers. To build on the marked success of the PLCs, CIS of Georgia is developing "PLC 2.0," the next generation of the PLC program.

"As a statewide, community-based organization, Communities In Schools is grateful to be a part of AT&T's High School Success program and Gov. Perdue's dedication to excellence in learning," said Neil Shorthouse, President of Communities In Schools of Georgia. "Together, we are making a positive difference for thousands of Georgia's youth and creating a better future for all of us."

"Companies, like AT&T, are able to invest in key educational initiatives because of the public policy positions our state and local elected officials take on business issues. I commend the efforts of our elected officials for helping to create an environment that recognizes the importance of investing in our youth, communities and in education," said Don Barbour, Regional Manager of External Affairs, AT&T Georgia.