Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria Ccna

The Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria was founded in July 2009 by a group of concerned citizens in response to the City of Alexandria having the second highest dropout rate in Northern Virginia and the designation of its only high school as a “Lowest Performing School” in the state of Virginia. CCNA envisions a model community where all stakeholders contribute to students’ education and the opportunity for every student to realize their individual potential.  

CCNA developed and piloted Reach and Rise for Excellence (RARE), it's flagship program, during the 2010-2011 school year on the Francis C. Hammond Middle School campus through a grant from Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). RARE has grown each year and has demonstrated continued success in improving academic achievement of students in the program. The program has also expanded beyond math instruction to incorporate homework help, reading, art, financial literacy, civics, debate, yoga, etiquette, entrepreneurship, and other life skills. RARE is now nearing the completion of its fifth full school year. 

CCNA has become a valued member of the education and child welfare community in Alexandria and now has three main programs: Parent Engagement, Community Forum, and RARE. Parent Engagement workshops empower parents to advocate on behalf of their students, increase engagement with their students' education, and promote students' academic success. The Community Forum brings together community stakeholders to tackle problems and improve academic performance of ACPS students. RARE is a free after school tutoring and mentoring program for at-risk students focusing on academic achievement, mentoring, leadership development, cultural education and parent involvement. The program provides academic supports including help with homework, diagnostic tools, and online tutoring. Academic supports are supplemented by cultural enrichment activities, team-building and leadership activities, and activities that build life-skills. RARE also provides bi-monthly workshops for parents of students enrolled in the program. CCNA's impact in the community is seen by improved academic achievement, active community engagement, and increased parent advocacy for their students.