Maybe you have heard about the Graduation Coaches in Georgia's high schools who are hard at work keeping kids focused on a diploma.  The new state program began this school year and reports are it is making a difference in keeping students, students.  But have you heard about the Community Coaches?

Gov. Perdue has challenged the business community to become more involved in education.  As a result of that charge, the concept of the "Community Coach" was developed.  Kerry Campbell, Board Chair of Communities in Schools Georgia and Manager of Community Development at Georgia Power, is leading the new program that is matching business volunteers from around the state with the Graduation Coaches in local schools.  The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education is part of the Advisory Board developing and facilitating the new program.

What exactly is their role?  The Community Coach will be available to help Graduation Coaches in whatever way possible based on the particular needs of that particular school.  For example, they will help enlist community support, recruit other volunteers, share ideas, offer student mentoring and provide business world expertise.  The program's goal is simple:  Improve the high school graduation rate!