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Communities In Schools 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. Last year, CIS connected 2 million students to essential supports and resources that helped them show up to school and achieve success. CIS also provides students with post-graduation planning support to ensure that students are prepared for life after graduation. Read the stories below to learn more.
Read about how CIS supports students to be successful in school and beyond with post-graduation planning and alumni support.
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.
Stories | April 19, 2024 Read more of Innovative Engagement: The Story of Lebanon High's Career Day Success
Read a Q&A with Jessica Martinez, a financial analyst and CIS of Atlanta alumna.
Stories | Nov. 12, 2024 Read more of Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Martinez
Discover how CIS provides high school students with tailored guidance and resources to achieve their aspirations beyond graduation. Whether they choose college, trade school, or the workforce, CIS is committed to helping empower students to succeed.
Stories | March 18, 2024 Read more of Supporting Student Success Beyond the Classroom
Hi! My name is Malik. I'm an alumnus of Communities In Schools of Baytown. In September 2024, the CIS National Office invited alumni from across the country to attend their annual Leadership Town Hall, and I was able to attend!
Stories | Oct. 4, 2024 Read more of Malik: My Experience at Leadership Town Hall 2024
“[Mr. Primer] was definitely the role model that I needed at the time to help me and guide me onto a positive path for myself... CIS has definitely been able to prepare me in ways I don't think I would have been prepared had I not been in CIS.” – Serenity
Stories | April 19, 2024 Read more of Serenity: Reflecting on Life After Graduation
Since May, CIS has celebrated the remarkable achievements of students ready to embark on new adventures—whether that means entering the workforce, serving in the military, or pursuing higher education.
Stories | July 9, 2024 Read more of Communities In Schools Celebrates the Class of 2024
In November, Marco and Esteban were invited to attend CIS Nevada's annual fundraiser as guests and featured speakers. During the event, Esteban shared a beautiful speech about his experience in CIS, and as a CIS alum. CIS of Nevada also showcased their involvement in the “Being Present Matters” campaign and roles as the faces of the national PSA promotion.
Stories | Dec. 6, 2024 Read more of Esteban: A Full Circle Moment
This month we proudly spotlight one of our Communities In Schools Licensed Partners, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). Together, we are working to ensure that every student, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to the resources, opportunities, and relationships they need to thrive in school and life.
Stories | Nov. 20, 2024 Read more of Licensed Partner Spotlight: National Indian Education Association
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.
Stories | Nov. 14, 2024 Read more of A Boost of Confidence Helped Zoe Soar
“I never thought I’d make it to graduation," Andrea said. "School just wasn’t for me. But Mr. Walker changed everything."
Stories | Oct. 24, 2024 Read more of Andrea's Connection Leads to Turnaround
“If it wasn’t for CIS, I would not be walking that stage,” Esteban, 18, admitted. “School was never really my thing.”
Stories | Sept. 23, 2024 Read more of Once at Risk of Not Graduating, Esteban Graduated with Honors
Communities In Schools of Cape Fear is no stranger to preparing students to return to school. Last year, their site coordinators provided programming and support to nearly 35,000 students.
Stories | Aug. 29, 2024 Read more of Investing in Back-to-School Readiness at All Levels
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.
Stories | July 22, 2024 Read more of Communities In Schools and Volunteers of America North Louisiana Celebrate Long-Standing Partnership
Every day, millions of retail, restaurant, and online shoppers are given the choice to add a donation to their purchase. Most often, it involves rounding up to the nearest dollar—which could be anywhere from a few pennies to ninety-nine cents.
Stories | July 9, 2024 Read more of Why Rounding Up at the Register Makes a Difference
There are many success stories from our work at CIS HOT. In 2023, we helped 50 students get paid internships and earn more than $63,000 in wages. This school year, we served more than 4,000 students – and each one of them has their own dream for their future.
Stories | June 4, 2024 Read more of Empowering Success: How CIS Helps Students Define Their Own Paths
When I was a sophomore I joined Communities In Schools (CIS) not knowing that this decision would change my next three years in high school. I am a shy and introverted person. I don't usually talk to people much but volunteering with many people and going and seeing many places helped me with my shyness so I could make new friendships.
Stories | May 20, 2024 Read more of Milexy: Giving Back to the Community
Jaleel is a senior in high school, something that he did not think possible just two years ago. Jaleel was referred to Communities In Schools® (CIS®) during his sophomore year because he was chronically absent, a serious risk factor for adverse outcomes. He was out of school at least two days every week. Not surprisingly, his grades suffered.
Stories | May 7, 2024 Read more of Jaleel: Overcoming Obstacles
“The single thing I'm most proud to have accomplished is not caring what others think or who does not like me. I tend to visit Mrs. Miller during lunch and talk to her about personal life situations. She always provides advice using her personal experience to connect relevance.” -Mariyah
Stories | April 26, 2024 Read more of Mariyah: Engineering a Bright Future
To the class of 2025, Bria offers words of encouragement based on her own journey: "Stay positive. Staying positive will help you make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. I stayed positive, I believed in myself that I could graduate. It might be hard, but just keep in your head that you got this."
Stories | April 24, 2024 Read more of Bria: Finishing Strong
Meet future physician Nia, a senior at Billy Ryan High School who aspires to make a difference and a living helping others. Nia is an active participant in Communities In Schools of North Texas' (CISNT) college and career readiness group, where she receives support and guidance as she prepares for life after high school.
Stories | April 24, 2024 Read more of Nia: Motivated to Make a Difference
Communities In Schools (CIS) is not just an organization; it's a lifeline for students like Jy'Mir, who, since 2015, has found guidance, support, and a pathway to his dreams. Starting his journey in second grade at Virginia Cross Elementary, Jy'Mir is just one of the many students whose lives have been transformed by CIS, propelling them toward graduation and fulfilling career goals while opening doors to new opportunities along the way.
Stories | April 22, 2024 Read more of Jy’Mir: Creating a Pathway to a Bright Future
As a middle school student, Trinity faced challenges that many of us can relate to—struggling to find her place among peers, navigating the complexities of growing up, and seeking a sense of belonging. But that all changed when she crossed paths with Haley Nelson, CIS of Northwest Michigan site coordinator.
Stories | April 17, 2024 Read more of Trinity: Living Above Life’s Challenges
CIS of Rural Eastern Washington prioritized attendance in their Tier 1 School Support Plan. CIS Site Coordinator Shannon Young implemented a proactive strategy to address the issue, including school-wide services and resources available to all students.
Stories | April 16, 2024 Read more of Making Every Day Count: CIS Attendance Initiatives Motivate Students
“Ms. Maria helped me with my success a lot because she taught me how to advocate for myself. She helped me grow mentally and emotionally to be in a better place. She taught me how to make decisions based on how I want my future to look, and I'm doing that each day.” – Gianna
Stories | April 12, 2024 Read more of Gianna: Navigating Post-Secondary Life with Lessons Learned from CIS“If it wasn’t for CIS, I would not be walking that stage,” Esteban, 18, admitted. “School was never really my thing.”
Like many students, Esteban’s struggles extended beyond the classroom.
That’s when CIS Site Coordinator Marco stepped in. Recognizing the impact of external factors on Esteban's academic performance, Marco had a heart-to-heart conversation with him, offering support and empathy.
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