Approved Priority Partners Categories

School Climate and Social-Emotional Supports

Overview

City Connects is an evidence-based approach to student support. City Connects is a system that takes advantage of resources and structures already present in schools and in communities. A full-time City Connects Coordinator establishes a hub for student support in each school. S/he meets with each classroom teacher and other school staff to review every student in a school every year. They discuss each student's strengths and needs in the areas of academics, social/emotional/behavioral growth, health, and family. Each students is then linked to a tailored set of services and enrichment opportunities in the school and/or community that address his or her unique strengths and needs. As a hub of student support in schools, a coordinator cultivates partnerships with community agencies, serving as a point of contact for the school. Coordinators collaborate closely the families and facilitate access to supports and enrichments. They use proprietary software to document, track, and report on service referrals, follow up to assure service delivery, and assess effectiveness. This systemic practice leads to measurable student outcomes.