There are many reasons that prevent students from regularly attending school ranging from transportation, mental or physical health, access to clean clothes, or food insecurity. CIS site coordinators are physically present inside schools, working hand-in hand with administrators and families to provide essential resources for student success.
Help us show up for more kids…because being present matters!
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Last fall, as the federal shutdown disrupted essential services and paychecks, Communities In Schools responded with urgency and compassion.
Read more of Showing Up In Times of Uncertainty: CIS Launches Emergency Fund to Support Students and Families
When Communities In Schools launched the Being Present Matters Campaign in 2024, the goal was clear: raise awareness about chronic absenteeism and remind students, families, and communities why showing up to school matters. Now, in the campaign's second year, CIS has taken that message even further with the Pledge to Be Present initiative—a creative, high-impact way to engage students and build a culture of accountability around school attendance.
Read more of Pledge to Be Present: Inspiring Students to Show Up This School Year
At Communities In Schools, our Site Coordinators are on the front lines every day, helping students navigate challenges, build skills, and thrive in school. For Shelby Clements, a Site Coordinator at CIS of the Dallas Region, every day is a balance of flexibility, support, and relationship-building.
Read more of A Day in the Life of a CIS Site Coordinator: Shelby Clements
At Communities In Schools, student success is built on strong, intentional partnerships. CIS Site Coordinators are embedded on school campuses, working alongside teachers, administrators, and staff to remove barriers to learning and ensure students receive the support they need—when they need it.
Read more of How Communities In Schools Partners with Schools to Support Students
This holiday season, Communities In Schools affiliates and licensed partners across the country are demonstrating what it means to be driven to give. As the need for shoes, clothing, food and essential items grows (according to national reports and confirmed by those in the communities we serve) our network is stepping up with unwavering generosity, hosting drives and changing lives.
Read more of Driven to Give: CIS Network Delivers Warmth and Essential Support This Holiday Season
With stops in Houston, Nashville, Jacksonville and Charlotte, the “Ready, Set, Learn” Back-to-School Tour aimed to remove barriers to learning, address chronic absenteeism and ensure students and families started the school year with the resources they needed.
Read more of Ready, Set, Learn Back-to-School Tour Full of Surprises, Supplies and Memorable Moments
Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County recently celebrated the opening of its new Center for Student Support. A longtime dream of the organization, the new center is expected to transform the community and improve the lives of students and families, offering various resources and services to the community, including a training center, a mental health counseling center, and a fresh food pantry.
Read more of CIS of Greater Tarrant County Is Present for More Students and Families with New Center for Student Support
The true highlight of the back-to-school season at CIS of Cape Fear is their annual Stuff the Bus event, the region’s oldest and largest school supply drive. In its 25th year, the event has evolved into a community engagement opportunity, inviting local businesses, corporations, civic organizations, and churches to collect essential back-to-school items for students in public schools across New Hanover and Pender counties.
Read more of Investing in Back-to-School Readiness at All Levels
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
From California and Arkansas to Iowa and Illinois, Communities In Schools licensed partnerships are grounded in a belief that every child, regardless of zip code, has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond.
Read more of End-of-Year Celebrations Showcase Student Success and Impactful Partnerships
Every Communities In Schools (CIS) graduate reflects the mission and legacy of CIS. Brianna Gaetz, a member of the CIS Class of 2015 and a Texas native, is one such alumna. Today, she serves as an Associate of Organizational Health & Performance at the CIS National Office. Her remarkable story is a reminder of why a caring adult is critical to student success.
Read more of Brianna: Finding Joy and Liberty
Cecilia Lee, Principal of Alumni Relations at CIS National, reflects on the graduations and alumni induction events she attended across the country, celebrating milestones and the power of showing up.
Read more of Celebrating Graduates and Building Community
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
I am a graduating senior of 2025, and very proud to be one. Showing up is difficult, but necessary. During my entire high school career, I found it difficult to show up. Going to school for 8 hours a day was emotionally exhausting. However, it doesn't have to be.
Read more of Roman: On the Importance of Showing Up
“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 What
My journey with Communities In Schools has been nothing short of transformative, exceeding all initial expectations. At the heart of this experience is my site coordinator, Carlea Atkinson. Her office became a safe haven, a place where I could seek advice and guidance. Ms. Atkinson's commitment to my growth was evident in the numerous college and university visits she facilitated, exposing me to a world beyond my immediate surroundings.
Read more of Neorah: Aspiring to Help Others Achieve Their Dreams
Senior Sierra set out to make her last year her best – and she more than delivered. Referred to Communities In Schools of Tennessee by her principal (and herself), Sierra connected with Hope Childs, her program manager, to tackle two big goals: improving her attendance and getting career-ready.
Read more of Sierra: Turning Her Senior Year Into a Success Story
Mental Health First Aid empowers adults to recognize when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis — and it gives them the tools they need to support, triage, and connect that person to help if warranted.
Read more of Mental Health First Aid: A Necessary Skill for Any Adult Who Interacts with Young People
This year, Terrell High School senior Amaya set a BIG goal—earning a scholarship to UT Tyler.
Read more of Amaya: Changing the World
Learn how CIS leaders came together in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the future of education.
Read more of Leading the Future of Education: CIS Brings Powerful Stories and Policy Solutions to Capitol Hill
Learn what Mariyah, Alumna from CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, has been up to since graduation.
Read more of Mariyah: Thriving in College and Beyond
2025 began with a new opportunity to partner with a Whataburger franchisee and engage with the larger CIS network.
Read more of Feeding Student Success: CIS and Whataburger’s Partnership to Be Present for Students
Communities In Schools (CIS) alumni are making an impact in big ways—whether by mentoring the next generation of CIS students, excelling in their careers, or serving their communities. This Black History Month, we honor the achievements of CIS alumni who personify the organization’s mission while creating their own legacies.
Read more of Black History Month Spotlight: CIS Alumni Creating Legacies
Mabelvale Middle School is part of CIS’ Licensed Partner program with Little Rock Public School District (LRSD). The district joined the CIS Network as a Licensed Partner in 2023 and has since expanded into 10 schools in the district, serving nearly 5,000 students.
Read more of CIS Licensed Partners: Creating Magic at MabelvaleSign up to receive our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at CIS National and across our network.
