Communities In Schools and Whataburger Launch “Ready, Set, Learn” — A National Back-to-School Tour to Combat Chronic Absenteeism
The 4-city tour is designed to provide students and CIS alumni with essential school supplies, giveaways, student celebrations and a TikTok-powered activation in Nashville.
Communities In Schools® (CIS®), the nation’s leading provider of K-12 school-based integrated student supports, announces “Ready, Set, Learn” a Back-to-School Tour in partnership with Whataburger to support student success while tackling chronic absenteeism in public schools.
The tour, which kicked off August 9, in Houston, continues through September with stops in Nashville, Jacksonville, and Charlotte.
This nationwide effort, which will support over 1,000 students, brings together local CIS affiliates/licensed partners, community partners and volunteers to provide vital resources that help young people and their families start the year strong. At each stop, CIS case-managed students will receive essential school supplies. As part of the tour, care packages will be provided to first-year college freshmen who are alumni of Communities In Schools' programs.
“We’re committed to showing up for students in ways that truly matter and creating a space where families feel seen and supported,” said Kevin Lei, Principal of Events and External Engagement for CIS National. “We’re grateful to Whataburger, TikTok and Hooked on Phonics for their partnership in making these moments possible—helping ensure students start school prepared, confident and ready to succeed.”
The Nashville event on August 14 will feature a special activation, sponsored by TikTok and employee volunteer platform Goodera, where CIS affiliates in Nashville, Austin, and Los Angeles will partner with TikTok employees to stuff backpacks for elementary students and assemble “Bags of Grace” care kits for parents and guardians. Hooked on Phonics is also contributing to this effort by donating 500 backpacks.
The tour is one of several activations inspired by Communities In Schools’ Being Present Matters public service campaign, which highlights the nationwide epidemic of chronic absenteeism and the solutions CIS offers to address it.
Research shows there are many reasons that limit students from regularly attending school, including transportation issues, childcare needs for siblings, food and housing insecurity, or lack of mental health and anti-bullying supports for students. The campaign underscores the importance of individual and school-wide support that can address the wide range of challenges affecting students and families.
About Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is a national organization that ensures every student has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working directly inside more than 3,000 schools across the country, we connect students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. Together, we build a powerful change movement made up of peers, students, and alumni committed to building an equitable path to education for future generations. Follow us for news @communitiesinschools on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, @cisnational on X (formerly Twitter) or with the hashtag #BeingPresentMatters.
