The 2025–2026 school year was a busy one for TIP. Between celebrating our 35th anniversary year, launching our strategic plan, building powerful new partnerships, and expanding the early intervention program, it marked a pivotal moment in our organization’s history. The numbers also reflect the growing impact of our staff, volunteers, and advocates’ tireless efforts. Here’s a
Building good attendance habits doesn’t always require moving mountains. It often starts with a moment of joy. An unexpected reward or a simple celebration can help shape how a child feels about showing up to school. These positive motivators lead to larger wins, building momentum that keeps students present, engaged, and on track. September is Attendance
In the award-winning 2000 documentary, “Just, Melvin, Just Evil,” there is a moment when an adult victim of child abuse tearfully remembers: “Each time I mentioned it to somebody, they said I was crazy.” Among those behind the camera was Sarah Serluco, a seasoned television producer who had built a career in New York, from MTV
Who doesn’t love seeing first-day-of-school photos on their social feed? Kids sporting their cutest new outfits and Spider-Man backpacks. Huge grins proudly revealing the baby teeth they lost over the summer. Excitement over a new teacher, a new classroom, and new friends. For many children and families, it’s a fresh start. For others, it’s another year
In the 35 years since Truancy Intervention Project (TIP) was founded, the effort to keep Georgia’s kids in school has been anything but a straight line. It’s hard to believe that, less than two decades ago, chronically absent students were being held in regional youth detention centers for truancy — a practice Georgia has since moved
Summer break is officially on the horizon, and with it comes an age-old challenge: keeping kids active and engaged without burning through your budget. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, learning and enrichment opportunities, or just somewhere to get the kids’ energy out, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite free and budget-friendly
In the legal world, a successful outcome is often defined by a favorable ruling or a closed file. At TIP, we know a closed case is actually just the beginning. When a volunteer attorney steps into a courtroom, they aren’t just resolving a legal matter—they are opening a door. Success here looks like the moment a
Long hours. Mountains of paperwork. One urgent need after another. For a school social worker, the to-do list is more than a “caseload.” It is the profound responsibility of holding a student’s hand through some of life’s most difficult moments. In the midst of a national youth mental health crisis, their role has never been more
Truancy Intervention Project (TIP) kicked off 2026 on an optimistic note after a busy 2025 that brought meaningful policy progress under SB 123, encouraging improvements in attendance rates, and new partnerships and leadership. One of the biggest milestones was finalizing our strategic plan for TIP’s future. Last year, we shared a preview of TIP’s new strategic
During the 2024–2025 school year, Georgia’s chronic absenteeism rate was almost 20%, with more than 360,000 students missing 10% or more of school days. Behind each statistic is a child facing barriers to school attendance that are often beyond their control. As the only nonprofit in Georgia solely dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism and promoting positive
