Putnam County’s Communities In Schools program grew out of concern for the high number of students dropping out of school. This problem came into focus through a study conducted by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce in 1988. Concerned over the study results, Chamber leaders took the initiative to find a program that had a history of success in helping reconnect youth to their schools and community. Hence, the beginning of Communities In Schools of Putnam County, Inc.

1989 Chamber of Commerce received grant from Department of Education to begin the Cities In Schools (CIS) program.

1989 First CIS project in Jenkins Middle School. Chamber begins replication process.

1990 Putnam Chamber Education Foundation, Inc. created with CIS as one of two projects it supports.

1990 Two additional school sites added: Palatka High School and Beasley Middle School.

1993 Chamber transfers operational and management responsibilities to community based organization, Putnam County Cities In Schools, Inc.  First Executive Director hired.

1995 Replication process complete.  Program expanded to three additional sites.

1996 Name change to Communities In Schools of Putnam County, Inc.  New logo "Helping Kids to Help Themselves". Program present in ten sites throughout Putnam County.

2000 Five programs at school sites throughout the community: PutnamREADS!, PutnamWRITES!, Take Stock in Children, CISCO Networking Academy, and Sight for Students.

2001 Began conducting classroom programs at Beasley and C.H. Price Middle Schools.

2001 Logo changed to "Helping Kids Prepare For Life".

2001 Charter status granted by National Communities In Schools.

2002 Two more programs added to CIS: America's Promise Youth Program and                                      Foster Grandparent  Program.

2002  Putnam Regional Science and Engineering Fair added.

2003  Putnam Family Literacy Cooperative began through the Governor's Family Literacy Initiative.

2003  Governor's Faith Based Mentoring Initiative.

2003  Volunteers in Putnam Schools Program added.

2003  Treasure Trove Supply Depot added.

2004  RISE 21st Century After School Learning Program

2006  KIDS Program (Kids Involved Determine Success)

2007  HIPPY Program (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)

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