Congressman Castro Touts New Federal Funding for San Antonio Students in Visit to Jefferson High School
SAN ANTONIO – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) toured his alma mater, Jefferson High School, to visit with students and educators and highlight the impact of $500,000 in federal funding he got for Communities In Schools of San Antonio to expand into six San Antonio ISD schools and provide wrap-around services to approximately 850 students.
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Congressman Castro visits Jefferson High School
“Thirty years ago, teachers and mentors at Jefferson High School helped me and my brother build the foundation for college and our future. Today, it’s a privilege to bring federal funding home to support the next generation of students,” said Congressman Castro. “Over the last three years, San Antonio’s teachers, students, and families have shown strength and perseverance in the face of incredible hardship. As our schools rebuild from the pandemic, my priority is making sure that every child has a safe and welcoming place to learn and grow.”
“Communities In Schools of San Antonio is grateful for the additional investment into our schools from Congressman Castro. This investment will allow us to strategically add additional staff to support 6 campuses, which then allow us to bring individualized support services to hundreds of students to ensure barriers are addressed and allow our students to meet their greatest potential,” said Jessica Weaver, President and CEO of Communities In Schools of San Antonio.
“Providing wrap-around services through our schools targets the children and families that need the resources the most,” said San Antonio Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jaime Aquino. “We are immensely grateful that this federal funding was secured for Communities in Schools to expand their services in our district, and we look forward to working with them to bring relief from the effects of the pandemic to our community.”
Background Information:
Earlier this year, Congressman Castro successfully fought for the inclusion of more than $10.5 million in direct funding for San Antonio projects through Congress’s Fiscal Year 2022 federal appropriations package. The package, which was signed into law in March 2022, includes the $500,000 for Communities In Schools and additional support for a range of projects, from affordable housing to workforce development and internet connectivity. For the full list of funded projects, click here.
About Communities in Schools:
For over 30 years Communities In Schools of San Antonio has been helping students achieve success in school, graduate, and go on to bright futures. Their unique model positions site coordinators inside schools to assess students’ needs and provide resources to help them succeed in the classroom and in life. Communities In Schools of San Antonio partners with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers and volunteers to provide food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance, and other wrap-around support to students and families.