CONTACT: Alan Bordelon, Citizen Schools, 713-529-4006 ext. 2606, 917-391-6800, alanbordelon@citizenschools.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CITIZEN SCHOOLS TEXAS HOSTS SOLD-OUT LUNCHEON

Benefit Raises More Than $116,000 for At-Risk Middle School Students

September 25, 2013 – Houston, TX - Middle school students in four Houston Independent School District schools will get a boost after the sold-out second annual Citizen Schools Texas Luncheon. The benefit celebrated the partnerships that make it possible for Citizen Schools to provide a longer learning day and engaging connections with about 100 volunteer professionals and 570 students this year.

Held on September 25th at The Junior League of Houston, the event raised over $116,000 for Citizens Schools, a national non-profit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the school day and bring more relevant learning experiences for children in low-income communities.

Luncheon Chairs Carrie Miller and Julie Price, Citizens School Executive Director Todd Litton, and Board Chair Nicole Purdue welcomed over 250 guests to celebrate the outstanding work of Citizen Schools Texas. The combination of expanded learning time, personalized academic support, innovative apprenticeships, and important community explorations, is changing the outlook of middle school students across Houston.

Todd Litton, spoke about the importance of exposing children to experiences that connect their academics to future opportunities. Alumna Celestina Melendez gave a touching account of the difference Citizen Schools made to her life and to her future.

“Citizen Schools was founded on a simple idea: we believe that if we really show kids the connection between their education and their future college and career opportunities, then they’ll be inspired to learn, work hard and do better in school, persevere and graduate from high school, and successfully pursue college and careers,” said Todd Litton.

Partnering with HISD, Citizen Schools Texas brings an unprecedented approach to educating middle school students by reaching them at the most critical juncture in their academic careers. Citizen Schools’ vision is to close the achievement and opportunity gaps to ensure Houston students will graduate from high school ready for success in college and beyond.

For more information, contact Alan Bordelon at alanbordelon@citizenschools.org.

About Citizen Schools

Citizen Schools is a national nonprofit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for children in low-income communities. Citizen Schools mobilizes a team of AmeriCorps educators and volunteers to teach real-world learning projects and provide academic support, in order to help all students discover and achieve their dreams. For more information, please visit http://www.citizenschools.org/.

Citizen Schools Texas launched in 2002 and currently serves 570 students and engages over 100 volunteers. To learn more about Citizen Schools Texas, visit www.citizenschools.org/texas/.

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