About Communities In Schools
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. We work directly inside more than 3,400 schools across the country, hand-in-hand with parents, families and caregivers, helping them access important resources and support their children’s success.
Being Present Matters
We show up for students by connecting them to the critical support and resources that they need in order to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Caring adults can make a huge difference in a student’s life. That’s why CIS site coordinators are the ultimate caring connectors, bringing support directly inside the school building to help students succeed.
Our History
CIS Founder Bill Milliken recognized that strong, caring relationships between students, parents, educators, community-based organizations, and school and district leaders can create better education outcomes. His vision was to bring a community of support inside our schools to remove barriers that get in the way of student learning.
From this clear vision, CIS was created in 1977 to empower students with communities of care and support so they can achieve their dreams. Today, Bill Milliken’s vision has been brought to life through CIS’ powerful of affiliates and partners working in more than 3,400 schools and community sites to serve two million students across the nation every year.
For almost 50 years, Communities In Schools has demonstrated measurable success for students around the country. During the 2022-2023 school year, 99 percent of students enrolled in CIS programs remained in school through the end of the school year. See how the CIS model helps students reach their potential.
“It’s not programs that are transforming young people’s lives, it’s relationships. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”
Bill Milliken, CIS Founder
Learn More About Communities In Schools
We believe that our network of caring adults can change the trajectory of students’ lives across the country. Together, our team embodies the spirit of community—each of us playing a role to help more students succeed at school and in life.
How We Show Up for Students
