WACO (July 30, 2010)-The local chapter of a educational non-profit organization is the first in Texas to receive national recognition

Communities In Schools is a network of non-profit agencies nationwide that address the national dropout epidemic.

The Heart of Texas chapter of CIS recently received national accreditation for its dropout prevention programs to students in Waco, LaVega and Marlin Independent school districts.

Auditors from the national office examined everything from the quality of school programming, to record keeping and strength of the agency's management.

Executive Director Doug McDurham states, "We are providing more services than ever before and are better prepared to address the challenges faced by many children in our community."

Organized as a non profit, CIS offers services to area students and families include tutoring, mentoring, after school and summer programming, counseling, case management and career preparation.

The local organization also works with area school districts to improve academic performance and increase student attendance and graduation rates.

Accreditation by the national office is part of a new process to ensure agencies across the nation meet the organization's policies and standards.

Most of CIS's employees are educators, social workers, and professional volunteers who are experts in their technical areas.