Public Service Ad Supports Work of Communities In Schools; Draws Attention to the Issue of School Dropouts

Communities In Schools, the nation's leading stay-in-school network, is pleased to announce that the print creative of its Choose Success campaign, designed pro bono by SS+K, was chosen by AdCritic.com as their "Pick of the Day." The print ad, entitled "Dropout," currently holds the number six spot on the Web site's "SweetMeter Top 10." Other companies joining Communities In Schools on the Top 10 list include 3M(R), AXE(R) and AquaFina(R).

"We are thrilled about the recognition our advertisements received," says Daniel J. Cardinali, national president, Communities In Schools, Inc. "As the number of high school dropouts has escalated to its highest level in 35 years, there has never been more of a need for a campaign like Choose Success. We applaud ADCritic.com for appreciating the unusual creative concept behind the "Dropout" ad. This recognition will help raise awareness within and beyond the advertising and marketing community about America's dropout problem. It's critical that we get this message out so more Americans can support young people and help them stay on the path to a successful future."

In March 2005, Communities In Schools launched Choose Success, a three- year advertising campaign designed to draw attention to the issue of high school dropout and raise the organization's visibility. Unlike most nonprofit public awareness campaigns, Choose Success incorporates startling real-life images. The print ad that earned the "Pick of the Day" distinction paints a vivid picture of the reality facing children today. A classroom photo of happy third graders and their teacher is captioned by a plaque that holds the message, "10 of us will drop out in 7 years."

In addition to print ads, SS+K also designed television, radio, outdoor and Internet creative materials.

About SS+K

SS+K is a creatively-driven, strategic communications firm that develops integrated communications programs that include advertising, public relations, marketing, design, naming, identity, digital media, crisis management and entertainment marketing. Founded in 1993, SS+K employs more than 70 people in New York, Seattle, Boston and Los Angeles. Current clients include Time Warner Cable, Song, Boots Retail US, Qwest, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft and GMAC Insurance.

Creative Artists Agency [CAA] owns a minority share of SS+K. CAA is the country's leading talent and literary agency with offices in Beverly Hills, Nashville and New York.

About Communities In Schools

Founded in 1977, Communities In Schools is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. Today, more than two million young people every year have access to services through more than 200 local and state Communities In Schools affiliates in 28 states. For two years in a row, Worth magazine named Communities In Schools one of the 100 top nonprofits in America.

Source: Communities In Schools

CONTACT: Deborah Veney Robinson of Communities In Schools,
+1-703-518-2545, robinsond@cisnet.org

Web site: http://www.cisnet.org/