First at Five, August 27, 2008

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga.---It's a tough budget year for the Richmond County School System, so they're looking for everyone to pitch in their money and time.

The school system works with a group called Communities in Schools, which tries to get extra help for the kids who need it most.

One student they've helped, Terence Dalbert, has been offered full scholarships to both MIT and Harvard. But for him, things haven't always come easy.

"It's hard at times living low-income, because you can't get everything that you want," said Dalbert.

That's why he's thankful to be a part of Communities in Schools, an organization that helps schools by getting the community involved. They've been mentoring Dalbert for two years.

"That social support system is definitely needed both personally...and also from a financial standpoint as well," said Mary Crawford, executive director for the Augusta branch of Communities in Schools.

The organization and the school system are looking for more businesses to help with the costs of education.

"We're always stretched to the max with how much money we have to provide additional support to kids beyond the basic," said Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden.

The organization finds sponsors for schools, applies for grants, and even gives resources to kids in need.

"We also need to have parents and community and other volunteers supporting our children. Without that no child is gonna be successful," said Georgia Communities in Schools President Neil Shorthouse.

That's why they also find tutors and mentors, like Clinton Norman.

"I'm getting them to see a different side of what they can do if they listen to someone that is positive that's not trying to hurt them," said Norman.

It's all in an effort to give kids like Dalbert what they need to be successful.

"Communities in schools gives you that little bit extra to make you feel like you can do anything," said Dalbert.

In Augusta, Communities in Schools has been around for about 12 years now, but the superintendent says the organization is very important right now because of their tough budget and an increase in students at the poverty level.