Paige’s New Path Forward

When Paige started at Wartburg Central High School, the quiet student missed 32% of school days. Her low attendance led to a referral to CISTN program manager, Ms. Mandi, who began working with her to improve attendance.

Paige shared how transportation was her biggest challenge. Her bus wasn’t always running, and her family couldn’t afford gas on top of their other bills. Then her beloved grandmother received a cancer diagnosis, and her family often had to choose between paying medical bills or buying necessities like food or hygiene products. 

Ms. Mandi secured gas cards to cover transportation costs and arranged weekly food bags and personal hygiene items.

Ms. Mandi’s unwavering support began to make a lasting difference. Paige has a perfect 100% attendance record and has earned straight A’s so far this year, with an overall GPA of 3.5. She currently participates in job training in the school cafeteria and has discovered a passion for the work. She hopes to continue working in a school cafeteria after graduation, ideally in an elementary school where she can encourage young learners.

Paige’s story isn’t an outlier: Right now, 242 high school seniors we serve are applying to colleges, scholarships, and jobs over the next few weeks. Will you donate today to ensure that students like Paige have the support they need to start their college and careers strong?

Paige poses for senior photos.