Communities In Schools reports 100% graduation for 26 seniors, summer youth jobs and scholarships

Representatives of Communities In Schools of Bradford County updated commissioners on program results and near‑term goals at the July 17 meeting, reporting that all 26 seniors in the program graduated this year and that the organization awarded nine scholarships.

Cindy DeVillaro, executive director, told the board seven students received Take Stock scholarships (two‑year college scholarships) and the program added two locally funded Cheryl G. Canova scholarships. She said the nonprofit employed 20 high‑school students this summer through a partnership with CareerSource Northeast Florida, paying participants about $13 per hour and placing them with local employers for work experience. “We met with students. We talked about employability skills,” DeVillaro said.

The group asked the board to support continued outreach and said future goals include expanding services into middle schools, increasing male mentors, and sustaining the after‑school and weekend food backpack programs that served roughly 67 children weekly. DeVillaro described a small paid staff and a volunteer board that fundraises through monthly bingo nights and an annual golf tournament scheduled for Oct. 24; she thanked the board for prior support and said additional funding helps sustain scholarships and youth employment.

Commissioners thanked the nonprofit for its work and encouraged the group’s plans to expand mentoring and middle‑school outreach. County staff noted Communities In Schools will be scheduled for future budget items as part of the county’s community organizations process.