Expand What Works
While the rigor of our model is consistent, we recognize the needs of schools are unique.
Whether the goal is to monitor student progress or more effectively coordinate community resources, Communities In Schools® (CIS®) provides the training and technical assistance needed to grow capacity and increase impact.
Our licensed partnerships are self-sustaining, allowing for flexibility to expand efforts to the schools and communities that need it most.
In February 2023, CIS announced an unprecedented $165 million philanthropic investment that matches public sector funds to bring CIS’ in-school, integrated student supports services to Title-I schools across the country. This fund will be available to school districts that plan to invest in implementing the CIS model of integrated student supports.
Communities In Schools and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) created a partnership in 2018 to deliver the CIS model of integrated student supports to some of the state’s most at-risk students.
Rather than expand the presence of an affiliated CIS nonprofit organization, the partnership “licensed” the West Virginia Department of Education to train local practitioners to implement an evidence-based model.
WVDE began the project with a pilot in nine schools in school year 2018-2019. Finding success with students and support from local and political stakeholders, WVDE expanded the model to more than 110 schools serving approximately 50,000 students as of March 2021.
In the Quad Cities along the Illinois and Iowa border, a child’s future is shaped early by access to housing, health care, literacy, and consistent support—resources many families still struggle to secure.
Read more of From Place to Promise: How United Way Quad Cities and Communities In Schools Are Changing the Odds—Together
As a Purpose-Built Communities network organization, Growing Together serves as a neighborhood "quarterback," aligning partners and strategy around a shared local vision. Its work spans housing, economic development, education, early childhood, and community leadership. A key part of that work is its licensed partnership with Communities In Schools (CIS).
Read more of When a Neighborhood Invests in Its Schools—And Schools Invest Back
Communities In Schools announces its expansion into Maryland with ALL4LOVE, Inc. selected as a Licensed Partner following a $1.08 million investment.
Read more of Communities In Schools Now Operating in 30 States Thanks to Partnership with Maryland-Based ALL4LOVE, Inc.
Learn about our licensed partnership with Montgomery Public Schools and dive into the impact happening at Southlawn Middle School.
Read more of Investing in Students and Strengthening Families: CIS and Montgomery Public Schools in Action
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
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.
Read more of Licensed Partner Spotlight: National Indian Education Association
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.
Read more of Communities In Schools and Volunteers of America North Louisiana Celebrate Long-Standing PartnershipLicensed Partner Spotlight
Communities In Schools is proud to welcome ALL4LOVE, Inc. as its newest Licensed Partner in Maryland, backed by a $1.08 million, three-year investment from CIS and Blue Meridian Partners made possible through Governor Wes Moore's ENOUGH Alliance.
Since 2018, ALL4LOVE has empowered young people in Cambridge and Dorchester County through mentorship, leadership, and athletic programming — and now, with five full-time site coordinators embedded across Dorchester County Public Schools, they'll be able to reach even more students, working directly with school staff and families to clear the barriers standing between kids and success.
