Our Approach

Connecting Students, Schools, and Communities

There is an urgent need to respond to the state of our schools, which are experiencing deep levels of decline across multiple measures. Schools are expected to connect students to the supports and services they need to achieve inside and outside of the classroom. However, schools are not equipped with the staff or systems to meet this growing demand for whole-child supports.

This is what CIS is built for. We make those connections.

When CIS is present inside schools, we work with other support staff to bring in community resources and partners to help meet the needs of the school and of students and families. We do this through the work of our site coordinators, who have access to local resources and partners to address local needs. We take this on so school administrators can focus on running the school and teachers can focus on teaching.

The CIS Model: Integrated Student Supports

Here's How We Do It

Discover Needs

Through conversations with teachers and students—alongside robust data analysis—CIS site coordinators identify the biggest challenges facing schools and individual students.

Plan Together

CIS site coordinators work with school administrators and educators to develop a plan that prioritizes the various academic and non-academic supports that meet students' needs.

Integrate Supports

Site coordinators work with school teams every day to integrate the supports identified in the planning process. That’s how CIS becomes an integral part of a school community and students’ lives.

Monitor, Evaluate, and Adjust

CIS site coordinators work with schools to continuously monitor student and school progress, using the data and feedback to optimize results. Continuous assessment of partners and student supports helps us increase our impact.

Our Impact

CIS is making a real difference in schools around the country.

We bring the power of caring adults and much-needed resources into schools – directly to the students who need them most. Together with school administrators and educators, we put students at the center and work hard every day inside schools to respond to their needs.

99%

of our students remained in school through the end of the 2022-23 school year.

97%

of our students were promoted to the next grade during the 2022-23 school year.

Learn More About Our Impact

The Three Tiers of Support

CIS’ evidence-based model is a whole-school approach to deliver tiered supports that best meet the needs of the school, including those of individual students.

We provide these supports in three different tiers.

Tier I

School Level
Widely available services designed to foster a positive school climate and address school-level risk factors.

Tier II

Targeted Services
Targeted services typically provided in a group setting to students with a common need.

Tier III

Individualized Services
Intensive, individualized services typically provided in a one-on-one setting to students with highly specific needs.

Being Present Matters

Watch this video to learn how CIS works with the community to connect students to the resources and support they need to be present in school and ready to learn.

Our Work in Action

Tag

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.

Stories | Nov. 20, 2024

A Boost of Confidence Helped Zoe Soar

As a high 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.

Stories | Nov. 14, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Martinez

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

Stories | 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."

Stories | 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!

Stories | 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.”

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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

Stories | 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."

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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.

Stories | 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.

Stories | April 19, 2024

Serenity: Reflecting on Life After Graduation

“[Mr. Primer] was definitely the role model that I needed at the time to help me and guide me onto a positive path for myself... CIS has definitely been able to prepare me in ways I don't think I would have been prepared had I not been in CIS.” – Serenity

Stories | April 19, 2024

Trinity: Living Above Life’s Challenges

As a middle school student, Trinity faced challenges that many of us can relate to—struggling to find her place among peers, navigating the complexities of growing up, and seeking a sense of belonging. But that all changed when she crossed paths with Haley Nelson, CIS of Northwest Michigan site coordinator.

Stories | April 17, 2024

Making Every Day Count: CIS Attendance Initiatives Motivate Students

CIS of Rural Eastern Washington prioritized attendance in their Tier 1 School Support Plan. CIS Site Coordinator Shannon Young implemented a proactive strategy to address the issue, including school-wide services and resources available to all students.

Stories | April 16, 2024

Gianna: Navigating Post-Secondary Life with Lessons Learned from CIS

“Ms. Maria helped me with my success a lot because she taught me how to advocate for myself. She helped me grow mentally and emotionally to be in a better place. She taught me how to make decisions based on how I want my future to look, and I'm doing that each day.” – Gianna

Stories | April 12, 2024

Communities In Schools Hosts Top U.S. Education Leaders during SXSW EDU in Austin

The U.S. Department of Education’s March 5 visit to Govalle Elementary School during SXSW EDU 2024 was a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication to student success.

Stories | April 1, 2024

Skyler: Paying It Forward

“CIS prepared me in a lot of ways. It showed me not to give up on myself. There are always people who support and believe in you... I don’t know where I would be if I [had] not [been] in this program.” – Skyler

Stories | March 18, 2024

Together we can show up for

more students!

Donate
Today

Your generosity today will help CIS connect 2 million students across the country with the tools they need to succeed.

Stay
Connected

Explore the different ways that you can get involved! Find your local CIS organization to volunteer, explore CIS job openings, sign up for our newsletter, and more.

Join Our
Community

Learn how you can bring the CIS model of integrated student supports to your school district.

↑ TOP