Communities In Schools Hosts 2025 Student Supports Institute: “Empowering Engaged and Future-Ready Students”

CONTACT: Whitney Faison, faisonw@cisnet.org, 315-420-6049

Communities In Schools® (CIS®) announces the 2025 Student Supports Institute (SSI), scheduled February 19-21, 2025, in Las Vegas. With the theme “Empowering Engaged and Future-Ready Students,” this year’s convening is set to ignite powerful conversations and strategies around what it takes to ensure every young person succeeds in today’s evolving educational landscape. 

More than 300 education practitioners, experts, and stakeholders from across the CIS national network will come together to explore best practices in education and school-community engagement, offering attendees an in-depth understanding of CIS’ integrated student supports (ISS) model. As a hybrid event, SSI offers both in-person and virtual participation.  

Attendees have the opportunity to engage in more than 30 mainstage and breakout sessions led by CIS staff, school district representatives, and foundation partners. Session topics include practical and creative ways to bring data to life, innovative approaches to digital instruction, community engagement, and methods to boost attendance. 

This year’s conference will also highlight CIS’ new public service campaign, Being Present Matters, which raises awareness of the nationwide epidemic of chronic absenteeism. A panel discussion featuring the campaign's stars (site coordinators) is scheduled for Thursday, February 20. 

“Since 2019, the Student Supports Institute has represented more than just a conference—it’s a convening space for our program managers and site coordinators to deepen their practice, strengthen their leadership, and build lasting connections with peers across our network,” said Jessy Cuddy, CIS National Vice President of Learning and Practice. “Our hope is that every attendee leaves this conference knowing something new and activating on a practice that will enhance their approach to supporting their schools and students.” 

In addition to the conference, attendees are invited to participate in a special activation, “Present for Student Success,” in collaboration with CIS corporate partner Whataburger. The activation highlights the crucial role of site coordinators in schools and celebrates the achievements of CIS of Nevada, the fifth largest affiliate within the CIS network with more than 150 site coordinators working inside 118 schools. 

“This year marks our 20th anniversary of serving Nevada’s students and families, and we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone along with our 97 percent graduation rate,” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CIS of Nevada Chief Executive Officer and State Director. “Our team is excited to be centered on the main stage and orchestrating special moments at this year’s conference. Most of all, we look forward to welcoming our CIS family from across the nation to Las Vegas.” 

The appreciation and networking event will be held Friday, February 21, at Whataburger’s newest Nevada location on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. 

For more information about CIS events supporting students, families, schools, and communities, visit communitiesinschools.org/events.   

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 X (formerly Twitter) or with the hashtag #AllinforKids.