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Connecting Students, Schools, and Communities

We bring the power of caring adults and much-needed resources into schools—directly to the students who need them most. This is what Communities In Schools® (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. Contact us to learn more. 

 

Paths to Partnership

Partner with a Local Affiliate

Bring in trained Communities In Schools staff to work directly with students in schools alongside educators and administrators.

Learn More about Partner with a Local Affiliate

Become a Licensed Partner

Receive certification and technical assistance to deliver the full model of integrated student supports across multiple schools or districts.

Learn More about Become a Licensed Partner

13.9 million kids

aren't making it to class.

But when CIS is present, 99% of our students show up prepared and ready to learn.

0%
of our students remained in school through the end of the 2023-24 school year
0%
of our K-11 students were promoted to the next grade
0%
of our seniors graduated or received a GED

See More Results

*Results are from the 2023-2024 school year. 

Transforming Schools and Communities

We know that the CIS model works because it’s backed by rigorous and independent evaluations. But don’t just take our word for it. Watch this video to hear from the school and district partners who know us best.

 

Power of Partnerships

Our Work in Action

Pledge to Be Present at Natchez ES

Pledge to Be Present: Inspiring Students to Show Up This School Year

When Communities In Schools launched the Being Present Matters Campaign in 2024, the goal was clear: raise awareness about chronic absenteeism and remind students, families, and communities why showing up to school matters. Now, in the campaign's second year, CIS has taken that message even further with the Pledge to Be Present initiative—a creative, high-impact way to engage students and build a culture of accountability around school attendance.

Read more of Pledge to Be Present: Inspiring Students to Show Up This School Year
Story | Feb. 25, 2026
CIS Site Coordinator Shelby in front of her bulletin board

A Day in the Life of a CIS Site Coordinator: Shelby Clements

At Communities In Schools, our Site Coordinators are on the front lines every day, helping students navigate challenges, build skills, and thrive in school. For Shelby Clements, a Site Coordinator at CIS of the Dallas Region, every day is a balance of flexibility, support, and relationship-building.

Read more of A Day in the Life of a CIS Site Coordinator: Shelby Clements
Story | Feb. 10, 2026
CIS Site Coordinator Shelby and 5th Grade Teacher Mrs. Gonzalez

How Communities In Schools Partners with Schools to Support Students

At Communities In Schools, student success is built on strong, intentional partnerships. CIS Site Coordinators are embedded on school campuses, working alongside teachers, administrators, and staff to remove barriers to learning and ensure students receive the support they need—when they need it.

Read more of How Communities In Schools Partners with Schools to Support Students
Story | Feb. 10, 2026
CIS of Greater Central Texas Team

Driven to Give: CIS Network Delivers Warmth and Essential Support This Holiday Season

This holiday season, Communities In Schools affiliates and licensed partners across the country are demonstrating what it means to be driven to give. As the need for shoes, clothing, food and essential items grows (according to national reports and confirmed by those in the communities we serve) our network is stepping up with unwavering generosity, hosting drives and changing lives.

Read more of Driven to Give: CIS Network Delivers Warmth and Essential Support This Holiday Season
Story | Dec. 10, 2025
Ribbon Cutting at CIS of Greater Tarrant County's New Center for Student Support

CIS of Greater Tarrant County Is Present for More Students and Families with New Center for Student Support

Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County recently celebrated the opening of its new Center for Student Support. A longtime dream of the organization, the new center is expected to transform the community and improve the lives of students and families, offering various resources and services to the community, including a training center, a mental health counseling center, and a fresh food pantry.

Read more of CIS of Greater Tarrant County Is Present for More Students and Families with New Center for Student Support
Story | Oct. 17, 2025
Stuff the Bus

Investing in Back-to-School Readiness at All Levels

The true highlight of the back-to-school season at CIS of Cape Fear is their annual Stuff the Bus event, the region’s oldest and largest school supply drive. In its 25th year, the event has evolved into a community engagement opportunity, inviting local businesses, corporations, civic organizations, and churches to collect essential back-to-school items for students in public schools across New Hanover and Pender counties.

Read more of Investing in Back-to-School Readiness at All Levels
Story | Aug. 19, 2025
CIS Alum Christian

Christian: CIS Impact Beyond the Classroom

Christian, a first-year student at Elon University, recently shared his powerful story and the role that Communities In Schools of Chatham County (CISCC) has played in his journey.

Read more of Christian: CIS Impact Beyond the Classroom
Story | Aug. 11, 2025
CIS Alumna Brianna Gaetz

Brianna: Finding Joy and Liberty

Every Communities In Schools (CIS) graduate reflects the mission and legacy of CIS. Brianna Gaetz, a member of the CIS Class of 2015 and a Texas native, is one such alumna. Today, she serves as an Associate of Organizational Health & Performance at the CIS National Office. Her remarkable story is a reminder of why a caring adult is critical to student success.

Read more of Brianna: Finding Joy and Liberty
Story | June 17, 2025
CIS alum with Cecilia Lee

Celebrating Graduates and Building Community

Cecilia Lee, Principal of Alumni Relations at CIS National, reflects on the graduations and alumni induction events she attended across the country, celebrating milestones and the power of showing up.

Read more of Celebrating Graduates and Building Community
Story | June 16, 2025
CIS Graduate Naomi

Naomi: Support That Makes a Difference

Naomi, a high school senior, found the support she needed through her Communities In Schools of Northwest Michigan Site Coordinator Monica Rau. From organizing her schedule and helping her manage stress, to preparing for her driver’s permit with mock tests and paperwork, Monica was by Naomi’s side every step of the way.

Read more of Naomi: Support That Makes a Difference
Story | May 21, 2025
CIS Graduate Roman

Roman: On the Importance of Showing Up

I am a graduating senior of 2025, and very proud to be one. Showing up is difficult, but necessary. During my entire high school career, I found it difficult to show up. Going to school for 8 hours a day was emotionally exhausting. However, it doesn't have to be.

Read more of Roman: On the Importance of Showing Up
Story | May 21, 2025
CIS Graduate Tony and Site Coordinator Miss Ruby

Tony: Pushing Forward No Matter What

“Keep pushing forward no matter what life throws at you. Don’t let your past define your future.” That’s the advice Tony offers to the next class of graduates at his alma mater, Eldorado High School in Las Vegas.

Read more of Tony: Pushing Forward No Matter What
Story | May 19, 2025
CIS Graduate Neorah

Neorah: Aspiring to Help Others Achieve Their Dreams

My journey with Communities In Schools has been nothing short of transformative, exceeding all initial expectations. At the heart of this experience is my site coordinator, Carlea Atkinson. Her office became a safe haven, a place where I could seek advice and guidance. Ms. Atkinson's commitment to my growth was evident in the numerous college and university visits she facilitated, exposing me to a world beyond my immediate surroundings.

Read more of Neorah: Aspiring to Help Others Achieve Their Dreams
Story | May 13, 2025
CIS Graduate Sierra with CIS Program Manager Hope

Sierra: Turning Her Senior Year Into a Success Story

Senior Sierra set out to make her last year her best – and she more than delivered. Referred to Communities In Schools of Tennessee by her principal (and herself), Sierra connected with Hope Childs, her program manager, to tackle two big goals: improving her attendance and getting career-ready.

Read more of Sierra: Turning Her Senior Year Into a Success Story
Story | May 13, 2025
Edward Grogan

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.

Read more of Black History Month Spotlight: CIS Alumni Creating 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.

Read more of CIS Licensed Partners: Creating Magic at Mabelvale
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.

Read more of Alumni Spotlight: Kai Green
Story | Jan. 14, 2025

Learn About Our Approach

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.

Learn More

CIS Site Coordinator and Student
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