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 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 soon-to-be alma mater, Eldorado High School in Las Vegas.

Story | May 19, 2025

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.

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.

Story | May 13, 2025

Girl speaking with a mental health specialist

Mental Health First Aid: A Necessary Skill for Any Adult Who Interacts with Young People

Mental Health First Aid empowers adults to recognize when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis — and it gives them the tools they need to support, triage, and connect that person to help if warranted.

Story | May 12, 2025

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

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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