Communities In Schools

OUR Mission

Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. is an affiliate of the national Communities In Schools network, the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization. The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We are committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive, gratifying lives, and become contributing members of our society.

CIS Team - West Charlotte High School

Communities In Schools Team L-R: Cory Bennett, Daisy Walker, LaQuetia Hollis, George Metz, Erica Draine Back Row: Alexis Bibbs	CIS Program Director-PL Shantiqua Neely, a native of the Bronx, New York attended the University of Rochester (Rochester, NY), BA - Health Policy and Clemson University, Masters in Youth Development Leadership. She is the Project LIFT Program Director for Communities in Schools. Her career began with Pfizer, Inc. as a Prof. Healthcare Rep., but realizing her passion for youth, she decided to pursue work in admissions at Johnson & Wales. CIS has allowed Shantiqua to make a difference in the community and with kids.	CIS, Volunteer Coordinator, WCHS Dr. Daisy R. Walker graduated from Winston Salem State University - majoring in English with a History minor. Her graduate studies degrees include Masters in English Education, C & I, a Specialist Degree in Admin., and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Walker taught for 17 years at Randolph MS and served as assistant principal and principal at Wilson MS and Garinger HS. Currently, she is the Project Lift/CIS Vol. Coordinator at WCHS.
CIS Site Coordinator Cory Bennett attended the University of North Carolina At Greensboro, B.S.-Public Health Education & Political Science and is seeking an MPA from UNC Pembroke. He has served in CIS as a site coordinator for 3 years, and as an alumnus and student. Mr. Bennett’s greatest act of service is aligned to him being a Charlotte native, thus giving back to the same communities that gave so much to him in an effective and impactful way.	CIS Site Coordinator Erica Draine is a native of Greenville, Mississippi. She attended Mississippi Valley State University, B.A. - Political Science and the University of Akron in Akron, OH - Masters of Public Administration. Draine has over 20 years working with the youth in such capacities as Boys and Girls Club, AmeriCorps, and Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound at CPCC. Ms. Draine is the proud parent of Nia Draine, 11th grader at WC, a Proud, Mighty Lion. Ms. Draine loves WC and helping all students.	TRIO Site Coordinator LaQuetia R. Hollis graduated from Alabama A & M University with a B.S. in Secondary Education/General Social Science and is currently working towards an MS in Human Resource Education with a concentration in Human Resource & Leadership Development through Louisiana State University. Mrs. Hollis has been with TRIO for two years and considers her greatest act of service in this program encompasses assisting 1st generation college students realize their potential through college admissions.
CIS Site Coordinator - Adj. Youth George Metz is a native of Charlotte, NC. He graduated from David W. Butler High School and attained a B.A. in Psychology from North Carolina Central University. George worked in the Human Services field for 7 years, helping individuals and families manage developmental and mental health disabilities. He is currently the CIS Site Coordinator for the Adjudicated Youthful Offender Program at WCHS. George has a passion for supporting the development of young people to their full potential.	Senior Safe Journey/APP Case Manager Shannan Dean-Wilson, a native of Washington, D.C. is a Senior Safe Journey/APP Case Manager with CIS, Charlotte. She works with pregnant and parenting teens at West Charlotte and West Mecklenburg High Schools. She received her B.A. in Communication Arts from Johnson C. Smith University. She has worked in the Human Service field for over 10 years. She has a passion for youth development.	Communities in Schools Team CIS Night with Dr. Watson