The new name marks our evolution from a primary focus on truancy intervention to a broader, more proactive approach that addresses the root causes of chronic absenteeism and supports students before they become disconnected from school.
The transition also includes an updated mission that better aligns with our current work and future vision: empowering Georgia students to grow and thrive by combating chronic school absenteeism and removing barriers to learning.
Coinciding with our 35th anniversary, the rebrand emerged from a comprehensive strategic planning process that helped clarify how we can best serve students and families in today’s educational landscape while remaining grounded in our longstanding commitment to educational opportunity and student success.
As Student Engagement Alliance, we will continue to address chronic absenteeism through a continuum of prevention, intervention, advocacy, and community support services:
- Early Engagement Program: helps elementary and middle school students establish positive attendance habits through small-group interventions, attendance mentoring, and schoolwide attendance initiatives.
- Truancy Intervention Program: provides pro bono legal advocacy, parent support, mentorship, and individualized attendance planning for students and families experiencing attendance-related challenges.
- Supportive Community Outreach Program: connects families to critical resources including housing assistance, food support, clothing assistance, transportation services, behavioral health care, healthcare access, and other community-based supports that help remove barriers to school attendance and promote long-term stability.
“This new identity embodies who we are today and where we are headed,” says Executive Director Tonya Malone Ferguson. “Through our recent strategic planning process, we took a close look at the challenges facing students and families and the role our organization can play in addressing them. Student Engagement Alliance better captures our commitment to partnership, prevention and meaningful support that keeps young people connected to school, opportunity and brighter futures.”
The new name was first unveiled at the TIP-Off Breakfast on October 9, held at Jones Day, where supporters, volunteers, educators, community leaders and partners gathered to celebrate our history and future. The event marked an important milestone in our evolution and generated enthusiasm for our expanded vision and impact.
We extend special thanks to event partners Jones Day, Presenting Sponsor, and Alston & Bird, Founding Sponsor, whose generous support helped make the TIP-Off Breakfast possible.
“This rebrand honors the organization’s remarkable legacy while positioning it for even greater impact in the future,” says Josh Swiger, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The Board is proud to support a name and mission that more clearly communicates the importance of early intervention, strong family engagement, and community-wide collaboration. Student Engagement Alliance reinforces our belief that helping young people succeed in school is a shared responsibility.”
As we enter this new chapter, we remain committed to building stronger partnerships among families, schools, volunteers, and community stakeholders to ensure students have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
We invite our community to join us in building an even stronger Alliance! A few ways to get involved:
- Make a tax-deductible gift.
- Fill out our volunteer interest form.
- Send a message to explore partnership opportunities.
- Subscribe to our newsletter and follow along @studentengagega on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.