Feeding Student Success: CIS and Whataburger’s Partnership to Be Present for Students
When Whataburger announced its Feeding Student Success initiative, it felt like the perfect fit for Communities In Schools® (CIS®). Feeding Student Success focuses on the company’s charitable giving at the intersection of food insecurity and education through college resource rooms, scholarships, and community philanthropy. Since launching the program in 2020, Whataburger has given more than $5 million to support communities and students in need.
While the fast-food giant continues to be a steadfast supporter of local CIS affiliates, 2023 marked a milestone in our partnership to include support of our national initiatives. The company extended its support to CIS National, with a landmark $100,000 Feeding Student Success donation marking the largest single contribution ever made to CIS by the national fast-food brand.
Through this partnership, CIS and Whataburger have collaborated on several impact-driven student engagement opportunities, increasing student supports and engagement opportunities nationwide.
Present for Student Success at Student Supports Institute
2025 began with a new opportunity to partner with a Whataburger franchisee and engage with the larger CIS network.
CIS National’s annual Student Supports Institute featured a special activation for participants titled, “Present for Student Success.” In collaboration with Whataburger, the event was designed to highlight the crucial role of site coordinators in schools and celebrate the achievements of CIS of Nevada, the fifth largest affiliate within the CIS network with more than 150 site coordinators working inside 118 schools. CIS staff, alumni, and board members gathered at the Whataburger location on the Las Vegas Strip for an afternoon of connection and storytelling.
“We wanted an opportunity to say to site coordinators, ‘We know that you are wearing multiple hats, we see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for your work and the impact that you are leaving here in this state for students and families in Southern Nevada’.” -Kevin Lei, Principal, Events and External Engagement, CIS National
During the event, guests enjoyed delicious food off the Whataburger menu and received exclusive branded swag. Attendees also had the opportunity to share their stories about CIS and the impact of the organization’s work and hear remarks from Being Present Matters site coordinators and CIS alumni and enjoy complimentary swag from the Whataburger team. CIS alumni in attendance were also invited to participate in on-site interviews with Whataburger team members for potential employment.
The event program included remarks from CIS alumni and current CIS of Southern Nevada program manager, Shani Panditharatne. Shani connected with CIS in 2018 during her senior year of high school. After graduation, she joined the team in 2023 as a site coordinator and was recently promoted to a program manager
The CIS of Southern Nevada community had an excellent turn out and was present to support Shani, including her former site coordinator and current program director, Brandon Dudley.
Shani has an incredibly unique story because we're able to see the impact of CIS through her. Seeing her shine and seeing her in that light like I felt like she was able to shine through in that moment, and I was really happy to see her have that moment to do so.
-Brandon Dudley, Program Director, Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada
Shani reflected on how her site coordinator was present for her, and how she shows up for her own students as a part of the CIS network. In her current role, Shani loves the ability to connect with students and people who understand what kids go through. The common mission of CIS is something she values in her role.
“I value this job and everyone's mission to help kids. All those roles have shaped me into the person that I am.” -Shani Panditharatne, Program Manager, Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada
The success of the event spoke to how Whataburger values the communities and schools they work with, how they want to see our students thrive.
The fast-food company’s commitment to feeding student success goes beyond the classroom. Their corporate team members support students in achieving their post-graduation goals through job interview preparation and career opportunities.
There's a lot of love happening in Las Vegas, and when you are working with students and families, there's a very small close-knit community of people that want to make sure our students are thriving. You get that sense that people are proud to carry the CIS badge and share the CIS story, and they're happy to support students and families, and do whatever they can.
-Kevin Lei, Principal, Events and External Engagement, CIS National Office
