Success Stories

Learn Why Being Present Matters

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!

A Boost of Confidence Helped Zoe Soar

As a middle 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.

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.

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.”

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.

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."

Our Work in Action

Learn more about the impact of CIS on individual students and school-wide success.

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CIS student holding large check for college tuition

Amaya: Changing the World

This year, Terrell High School senior Amaya set a BIG goal—earning a scholarship to UT Tyler.

Story | April 23, 2025

CIS leaders standing on the steps in front of the capitol

Leading the Future of Education: CIS Brings Powerful Stories and Policy Solutions to Capitol Hill

Learn how CIS leaders came together in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the future of education.

Story | April 17, 2025

Student wearing glasses, headphones and a hoodie outside

Mariyah: Thriving in College and Beyond

Learn what Mariyah, Alumna from CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, has been up to since graduation.

Story | April 10, 2025

Feeding Student Success: CIS and Whataburger’s Partnership to Be Present for Students

2025 began with a new opportunity to partner with a Whataburger franchisee and engage with the larger CIS network.

Story | March 26, 2025

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.

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.

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.

Story | Jan. 14, 2025

CIS Site Coordinator Marco and CIS Alum Esteban

Esteban: A Full Circle Moment

In November, Marco and Esteban were invited to attend CIS Nevada's annual fundraiser as guests and featured speakers. During the event, Esteban shared a beautiful speech about his experience in CIS, and as a CIS alum. CIS of Nevada also showcased their involvement in the “Being Present Matters” campaign and roles as the faces of the national PSA promotion.

Story | Dec. 6, 2024

Sharing Your Story Inspires Others

We invite you to share how you or someone you love
has been impacted by the dedication of a CIS organization.

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A Story About Believing in Yourself

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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