Six years ago, the high school graduation rate for the four area school districts was at 64.5%. Today, it’s 78% in part because of partnerships like the ones between Communities In Schools of Charleston (CIS) and Trident United Way’s Links to Success initiative.
Against the odds, Savaisha Steed-Boykin reached for her goals, graduated high school and has completed her freshman year at Winthrop University. Born to a single, working, teen mother, Saviasha began receiving services during her 7th grade year at Haut Gap Middle School on Johns Island, just as Trident United Way’s Links to Success program was being implemented. CIS provided Savaisha with teen pregnancy prevention, after school involvement, and the tools to achieve her goal of high school graduation.
Research shows that when community organizations combine efforts towards shared goals, they have a greater impact on the community. Links to Success partners unite around a common agenda and employ research-based strategies to create opportunities for measurable success -- success like Savaisha.