This year’s 2024 Community Matters Report highlights the transformational power of connections. It reviews the state of our public schools and shows how the connections that Communities In Schools® (CIS®) makes transform individual students’ lives, entire schools, and school systems. We hope it inspires everyone working to fulfill the promise of public education in America.
Critical measures for public schools show consistent downward trends, intensifying negative impacts on students, teachers, and schools. These negative impacts are felt most by Title I* schools and the students they serve.
Declined by more than one million students in 2021
1 in 5 students missing almost four weeks during the year
9 out of 10 teachers reported their students’ motivation had dropped
79% said they needed more support for student and staff mental health
Only one in five high school students ready to succeed in college
9 out of 10 teachers reported their students’ motivation had dropped
*Refer to report for footnotes
CIS of Pennsylvania site coordinator Jeffrey Suarez identified the need for post-graduation planning programs and organized a career day that was a hit. Learn about the transformative power of community engagement and support programs in shaping student outcomes.
Read more of Innovative Engagement: The Story of Lebanon High's Career Day Success
Ashley, a fifth-grade student at 107th Elementary, is described by Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA) Site Director Clara Ortiz as well-rounded, with a deep love for learning and a go-getter attitude. But what many may not know about Ashley is that her family recently left El Salvador, making personal sacrifices to start a new life in the United States.
Read more of The Power of Presence: How Caring Adults Provide a Community of Support
Communities In Schools has established successful licensed partnerships with state education agencies, school districts, and community-based organizations across the country, enhancing support systems for students. One notable partnership is with Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOANLA) in Shreveport, La., which dates back to 2013 and remains CIS' longest-standing licensed partnership.
Read more of Communities In Schools and Volunteers of America North Louisiana Celebrate Long-Standing Partnership
As a middle school student, Zoe was very quiet and stayed to herself. Like many teenagers, self-esteem and anxiety are normal emotions on a daily basis. But for Zoe, the thought of going to school felt overwhelming.
Read more of A Boost of Confidence Helped Zoe SoarSign up to receive our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at CIS National and across our network.
