Communities In Schools Summer Intern Heads to College!

Behind the scenes this summer at Communities In Schools of New Mexico (CIS), we were thrilled to have Jocelyn Solis (Capital High CIS student, class of 2019) as our summer intern to manage the School Supply Drive! It was so rewarding to have a CIS graduate work with our administrative team. Jocelyn created Amazon Wish Lists, wrote social media posts, interfaced with our business sponsors, and helped pick up, deliver, and distribute the supplies collected for our CIS schools. Communities In Schools is thrilled to see Jocelyn start her freshman year this fall at the University of New Mexico where she plans to get her degree in social work. Thank you Jocelyn, and best wishes for a great Freshman Year!

BOOKKIDS, a community partner with Communities In Schools of New Mexico, was selected as one of 200 finalists for this national competition beating out 2,000 applicants. Of the top 200 finalists, 40 will receive a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant. BOOKKIDS is the only finalist in New Mexico.

From Wednesday, Aug. 14, through Friday, Aug. 23, U.S. residents who are 18 and older with a valid email address, can cast 10 votes per day for BOOKKIDS at https://www.neighborhoodassist.com/entry/2023540. Last year BOOKKIDS was able to give 6 brand new books to every student at Salazar, Tesuque and Ramirez Thomas Elementary Schools. That was 5,250 books!! With this money, BOOKKIDS can purchase over 9,000 books.

A warm welcome to Israel Garcia, our new Data & Assessment Manager! Israel has worked for various non-profit organizations in Santa Fe, focusing on database management/development, and program management. He has always been passionate about helping and supporting the community. If you ever need to find Israel when he is not at CIS, drive to a river, campsite, hiking trail, or anywhere there's no phone reception. He's an outdoor enthusiast that enjoys fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking, and exploring!