Watch to learn about the challenges and Communities In Schools' solutions.
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is calling roll on the millions of students who were absent from school last year. Many students face challenges with safety, transportation, mental or physical health, food insecurity or have household responsibilities such as childcare or needing to work. Communities In Schools offers a unique solution to combat chronic absenteeism through trained, caring adults—site coordinators—who address and find solutions to the many barriers affecting students' ability to be present in school.
But when CIS is present, 99% of our students show up prepared and ready to learn.
*Results are from the 2023-2024 school year.
Learn more about the impact of CIS on individual students and school-wide success.
Christian, a first-year student at Elon University, recently shared his powerful story and the role that Communities In Schools of Chatham County (CISCC) has played in his journey.
Read more of Christian: CIS Impact Beyond the Classroom
“I never thought I’d make it to graduation," Andrea said. "School just wasn’t for me. But Mr. Walker changed everything."
Read more of Andrea's Connection Leads to Turnaround
Naomi, a high school senior, found the support she needed through her Communities In Schools of Northwest Michigan Site Coordinator Monica Rau. From organizing her schedule and helping her manage stress, to preparing for her driver’s permit with mock tests and paperwork, Monica was by Naomi’s side every step of the way.
Read more of Naomi: Support That Makes a Difference
“Keep pushing forward no matter what life throws at you. Don’t let your past define your future.” That’s the advice Tony offers to the next class of graduates at his alma mater, Eldorado High School in Las Vegas.
Read more of Tony: Pushing Forward No Matter WhatFunder Spotlight: Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter kicked off its new round up campaign, Together in Education (TIE), to support the needs of students and educators in communities across the Southeast. Harris Teeter customers can contribute to the campaign by rounding up their transactions to the nearest whole dollar at checkout from July 30 through Oct. 28 at all Harris Teeter locations.
"This new round up campaign furthers our commitment to education by providing an opportunity for customers to support their local teachers, students, schools and after-school programs.”
-Danna Robinson, Director of Corporate Affairs and Customer Relations for Harris Teeter
Aug. 27, 2025
Last year, 13.9 million kids were chronically absent because they were missing critical support and resources.
Your generosity today will help Communities In Schools connect 2 million students across the country with the tools they need to succeed—from food and clothing to mental health support and tutoring.
current network span
schools/sites served*
students reached with CIS supports and resources*
*Schools/sites and students served are based on 2023-24 school year data.
We show up for students by connecting them to the critical support and resources that they need in order to thrive. Caring adults can make a huge difference in a student's life. That's why CIS site coordinators are the ultimate caring connectors, working alongside parents, educators, and community-based organizations to encourage students to show up to school ready to learn.
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