End-of-Year Celebrations Showcase Student Success and Impactful Partnerships

From California and Arkansas to Iowa and Illinois, Communities In Schools’® (CIS®) 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.  

As the 2024–2025 school year closes, CIS celebrates student success – from improved attendance and behavior to powerful moments of personal growth.  

We highlight several of our partners’ end-of-year celebrations and the milestones we achieved together: 

Santa Ana 

In Santa Ana, California, more than 150 students, families, educators and partners gathered at the Delhi Center for the “From Seeds to Sprouts” event. Hosted in partnership with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), the event celebrated three years of steady growth and a shared commitment to supporting student success. With 12 community schools now part of the CIS network – and three more on the horizon – Dr. Lupe Gomez, SAUSD’s Director of Community Schools, recognized how CIS site coordinators are helping schools create stronger systems of support. 

A panel of school leaders, moderated by SAUSD Coordinator of School Climate Andrew Montoya, showcased success stories from Davis and Diamond Elementary Schools, where students are thriving and school climates are transforming.  

“The 'From Seeds to Sprouts' event truly showcased the power of cultivating change together,” said Dr. Shaunna D. Finley, CIS Senior Advisor for District and Community Engagement. “Witnessing the priceless growth within the Santa Ana community over the past three years, as students and staff embrace our partnership, is inspiring.” 

Little Rock

A few states away in Little Rock, Arkansas, the local CIS partnership closed out the year with a powerful stakeholder gathering. Leaders celebrated the district’s continued investment in the CIS model, announcing the addition of four new schools next year.  

For community leaders like UniServ Director Loranzo Andrews, the event affirmed the vital role of intentional partnerships in building education systems that work for all students. 

“I look forward to continuing our collective work to ensure every student, educator, and family is empowered through strong public schools and strong community-school partnerships,” he said. 

Quad Cities 

In Iowa and Illinois, United Way Quad Cities and Ballmer Group celebrated shared wins that are gaining national attention. From a 30 percent reduction in student absences at Jefferson Elementary to a 20-point drop in chronic absenteeism at Davenport’s Madison Elementary, the results are quite impressive. Behavior referrals are down, family engagement is rising, and attendance incentives are working.  

The partnership, which is part of the United for Schools initiative, kicked off last fall with great anticipation and continues to gain momentum. 

“The Quad Cities partnership demonstrates what is possible,” Dr. Finley said. 

What’s possible in the Quad Cities region is possible for students everywhere. These partnerships are the result of communities coming together to ensure young people have what they need to succeed.  

When we are present for them, they are empowered to show up for themselves and each other.  

Learn more about licensed partnerships.