Success Stories
Get inspired by the stories of CIS site coordinators, students, families, educators, administrators, and partners—all working together in schools and classrooms across the country every day!
Learn more about the impact of CIS on individual students and school-wide success.
From California and Arkansas to Iowa and Illinois, Communities In Schools 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.
Read more of End-of-Year Celebrations Showcase Student Success and Impactful Partnerships
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
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
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
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
“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 soon-to-be alma mater, Eldorado High School in Las Vegas.
Read more of Tony: Pushing Forward No Matter What
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
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
We invite you to share how you or someone you love
has been impacted by the dedication of a CIS organization.
The Push is a short film that follows the inspirational relationship between Darrell Smith, a caring CIS site coordinator, and Ja-Mez, who is about to graduate from high school full of self-confidence and with the promise of a bright future — an event that seemed impossible just two years earlier. The moving film provides an inside look at one of the many stories unfolding in thousands of CIS schools across America.
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