Atlanta, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Truancy Intervention Project (TIP) in Atlanta receives significant support to combat rising absenteeism rates among students. A donation from Atlanta News First through its Three Degree Guarantee program underscores community commitment to improving student attendance in Georgia schools. TIP focuses on advocating for students in Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools, providing legal, educational, and family support to help children overcome barriers to education. The organization aims to enhance engagement and ultimately increase graduation rates for at-risk youth.
Atlanta
The Truancy Intervention Project (TIP) has received crucial support amid rising absenteeism rates among students in Georgia schools. This month, a donation directed to TIP comes from Atlanta News First, which contributes funds to nonprofits through its Three Degree Guarantee program, based on the accuracy of its weather forecasts.
According to the Georgia Department of Education, more than one-fifth of students in Georgia miss at least 10% of school days annually, highlighting a significant issue in student attendance. TIP primarily focuses its efforts within Fulton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools, addressing the alarming trend of rising absenteeism.
Tonya Ferguson, TIP’s Executive Director, pointed out the troubling connection between literacy and incarceration rates. Studies indicate that third graders who do not read at their expected grade level are at a higher risk of ending up in prison. This underscores the urgency of improving educational engagement and addressing absenteeism early on.
TIP operates out of the juvenile justice center in Atlanta’s Mechanicsville neighborhood, working tirelessly to dismantle the barriers preventing children from accessing quality education. The organization provides legal, educational, and family advocacy to ensure that students can overcome obstacles that hinder their schooling. TIP’s ultimate objective is to help children reach high school graduation and attain self-sufficiency, shaping a more promising future for them.
A powerful testament to TIP’s impact comes from Latoya Riley, a former participant who overcame chronic absenteeism through the program’s support. Riley faced challenges resulting from a lack of support at home, yet with mentorship from TIP, she learned to take responsibility for her schooling. This support enabled her to graduate from high school, and she is currently attending Georgia State University, where she is studying exercise science.
Success for TIP involves not only engaging children but also involving their parents in the educational process. Each participant’s journey highlights a unique version of success, but they all share a common goal: enhancing educational engagement and ensuring better outcomes for students and their families.
The support from the Three Degree Guarantee program illustrates the community’s commitment to tackling the pressing problem of absenteeism in schools, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like TIP in fostering educational success for at-risk youth.
Key Statistics
- 12%: Percentage of Georgia students missing at least 10% of the school year.
- Fulton County Schools: Primary area of TIP’s operations.
- Atlanta Public Schools: Another key focus area for TIP.
- Goal: Help children graduate high school and achieve self-sufficiency.
Conclusion
As absenteeism rates in Georgia schools continue to rise, organizations like the Truancy Intervention Project play an essential role in tackling this challenge. By providing targeted support and advocacy, TIP empowers students to fulfill their educational potential, ultimately contributing to healthier communities and lower incarceration rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Truancy Intervention Project (TIP)?
TIP is an organization that aims to remove barriers to education through legal, educational, and family advocacy, focusing on increasing student engagement and attendance.
How does TIP support students?
TIP provides various services, including mentorship, advocacy, and support for both students and their families, helping them overcome obstacles to education.
What is the absenteeism rate among Georgia students?
More than one-fifth of students in Georgia miss at least 10% of their school days each year, as reported by the Georgia Department of Education.
Key Features of the Truancy Intervention Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Students in Georgia schools, primarily in Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools. |
| Focus Areas | Education advocacy, legal support, family engagement. |
| Goals | Improve graduation rates, increase literacy, reduce absenteeism. |
| Success Stories | Participants like Latoya Riley have successfully graduated and pursued higher education. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Atlanta Schools
Atlanta’s Housing Crisis Impacting Student Attendance
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Atlanta Group Working to Get Kids Back into School
- Wikipedia: Truancy
- CBS46: Crews Working to Repair Water Main Break in Atlanta
- Google Search: Absenteeism in Schools
- Newswire: Lori Miller Appointed as New Executive Director for ESP Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Saporta Report: Atlanta Nonprofit Helped 10,000 Students
- Google News: Truancy Intervention Project
- 11Alive: TIP Succeeds in Keeping Kids in School
- Atlanta Magazine: 2020 Atlanta 500 – Government & Infrastructure
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
