Communities In Schools and Whataburger Partner for Feeding Student Success Initiative
The fast-food brand has awarded its largest gift to date to Communities In Schools National Office.
Contact: Whitney Faison, [email protected], 703-518-2575
Communities In Schools® (CIS®), the nation’s leading provider of integrated student supports, announced it has received a $100,000 donation from Whataburger, marking the largest single contribution ever made to CIS by the national fast-food brand as part of its Feeding Student Success program.
While Whataburger has previously provided financial support to local CIS affiliates (including CIS of East Texas, CIS of the Golden Crescent, CIS of San Antonio, CIS of North Louisiana, and CIS of Tennessee), this landmark donation represents the first time the company has extended its support to the CIS National Office. This expansion signifies Whataburger's dedication to making an even more substantial difference in the lives of students nationwide.
“Whataburger’s investment in our National Office will help ensure that students continue to have access to a caring adult inside schools, connecting them to what they need when they need it. We’re proud the high-quality, evidence-based supports our national network provides created an opportunity for us to deepen Whataburger’s engagement with our national network,” said CIS President and CEO Rey Saldaña. "This historic donation represents more than just financial support; it symbolizes a shared vision for a brighter future for our students."
Communities In Schools ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background, has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. During the 2021-2022 school year, 99 percent of students enrolled in CIS programs remained in school through the end of the school year, with 97 percent of K-11 students being promoted to the next grade and 95 percent of seniors graduating or receiving a GED.
Whataburger celebrates the potential of all students and the power of education through its Feeding Student Success program, which focuses on the company’s charitable giving at the intersection of food insecurity and education through college resource rooms, scholarships, and community philanthropy. Since launching the program in 2020, Whataburger has given more than $5 million to support communities and students in need.
“Every child should have the chance to succeed in school and pursue their dreams,” said Whataburger President and CEO Ed Nelson. “Partnering with Communities In Schools is one of the best ways Whataburger can support students across our footprint, deliver Goodness 24/7 and create brighter futures in the communities that mean so much to us.”
ABOUT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is a national organization that ensures every student, regardless of who they are, their ability, zip code or socioeconomic background, has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working directly inside more than 3,000 schools across the country, we connect students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. Together, we build a powerful change movement made up of peers, students, and alumni committed to building an equitable path to education for future generations. Follow us for news @cisnational on Twitter or with the hashtag #AllinforKids.
ABOUT WHATABURGER
Whataburger is the hometown hamburger place that hasn’t compromised. We serve bold flavors and original recipes made to order, just like you like it, and pride ourselves on extraordinary hospitality and meaningful connections in our communities. That’s what’s led fans to Whataburger since Harmon Dobson served our first customer in 1950. Headquartered in San Antonio, we’ve stayed close to our roots while building sales of more than $3 billion annually across our 14-state footprint and over 950 locations. Even with our exceptional menu, we know that people make the difference at Whataburger. That’s why we’re a 2022 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence award winner. Want to become part of our orange spirit? Apply to become a Family Member (what we call our employees) at whataburger.com/careers. Just hungry for a great meal? Download our app on iOS or Android to order ahead. Shop Whataburger branded merchandise and selected sauces including our famous Fancy and Spicy Ketchup at WhataStore.com and find Whataburger original-recipe products in grocery stores. See our press kit for a list of locations, fun facts, milestones and other company information.
