Resources for Educators

Student wearing glasses, headphones and a hoodie outside

Mariyah: Thriving in College and Beyond

Learn what Mariyah, Alumna from CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, has been up to since graduation.

Story | April 10, 2025

Feeding Student Success: CIS and Whataburger’s Partnership to Be Present for Students

2025 began with a new opportunity to partner with a Whataburger franchisee and engage with the larger CIS network.

Story | March 26, 2025

Black History Month Spotlight: CIS Alumni Creating Legacies

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.

Story | Feb. 25, 2025

A barber with glasses and headphones is smiling while cutting a student's hair in a school salon.

CIS Licensed Partners: Creating Magic at Mabelvale

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.

Story | Jan. 27, 2025

CIS Founder Bill Milliken poses with his wife Jean and CIS Alum Kai

Alumni Spotlight: Kai Green

I’m Kai Green. I joined the CIS of Memphis program as an alumna after being introduced to CIS in 2023 while working toward my degree in Business Administration from Lane College in Jackson, TN. I felt this program was perfect for me once I met the onsite coordinators. It was full of professionals who saw potential in me and wanted to support me in any way they could.

Story | Jan. 14, 2025

CIS Site Coordinator Marco and CIS Alum Esteban

Esteban: A Full Circle Moment

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.

Story | Dec. 6, 2024

Licensed Partner Spotlight: National Indian Education Association

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.

Story | Nov. 20, 2024

A Boost of Confidence Helped Zoe Soar

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.

Story | Nov. 14, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Martinez

Read a Q&A with Jessica Martinez, a financial analyst and CIS of Atlanta alumna.

Story | Nov. 12, 2024

Andrea's Connection Leads to Turnaround

“I never thought I’d make it to graduation," Andrea said. "School just wasn’t for me. But Mr. Walker changed everything."

Story | Oct. 24, 2024

Malik: My Experience at Leadership Town Hall 2024

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!

Story | Oct. 4, 2024

CIS Site Coordinator Marco and CIS Alumni Esteban

Once at Risk of Not Graduating, Esteban Graduated with Honors

“If it wasn’t for CIS, I would not be walking that stage,” Esteban, 18, admitted. “School was never really my thing.”

Story | Sept. 23, 2024

Investing in Back-to-School Readiness at All Levels

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.

Story | Aug. 29, 2024

Communities In Schools and Volunteers of America North Louisiana Celebrate Long-Standing Partnership

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.

Story | July 22, 2024

CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Scholars Dinner

Communities In Schools Celebrates the Class of 2024

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.

Story | July 9, 2024

Why Rounding Up at the Register Makes a Difference

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.

Story | July 9, 2024

Empowering Success: How CIS Helps Students Define Their Own Paths

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.

Story | June 4, 2024

Milexy: Giving Back to the Community

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.

Story | May 20, 2024

Jaleel: Overcoming Obstacles

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.

Story | May 7, 2024

Mariyah: Engineering a Bright Future

“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

Story | April 26, 2024

Graduating Senior Bria with CIS Site Coordinator Haley

Bria: Finishing Strong

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."

Story | April 24, 2024

Nia: Motivated to Make a Difference

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.

Story | April 24, 2024

Jy’Mir: Creating a Pathway to a Bright Future

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.

Story | April 22, 2024

Innovative Engagement: The Story of Lebanon High's Career Day Success

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.

Story | April 19, 2024

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