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

The true highlight of the back-to-school season at CIS of Cape Fear is their annual Stuff the Bus event, the region’s oldest and largest school supply drive. In its 25th year, the event has evolved into a community engagement opportunity, inviting local businesses, corporations, civic organizations, and churches to collect essential back-to-school items for students in public schools across New Hanover and Pender counties.

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.”

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."

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 alma mater, Eldorado High School in Las Vegas.

Our Work in Action

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

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Beyond Backpacks: CIS Welcomes Students Back with Community Support

As Communities In Schools (CIS) prepares to welcome students and staff back for a new school year full of possibilities, affiliates are partnering with school administrators to build a roadmap to success. CIS site coordinators are stocking their offices with essential supplies to show up for students every day, and CIS staff are taking stock of what students still need to start the year confident and ready to learn.

Story | Sept. 16, 2026

Connection Changes Everything

When John entered Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School as a junior, everything felt new and overwhelming. After years of online schooling, crowded hallways, full classrooms, and challenging subjects made it difficult for him to connect with peers, teachers, and even his own learning.

Story | June 10, 2026

CIS of Appalachian Highlands celebrating 100 schools

Milestone Moment: CIS-AH Now Serves 115 Schools Across the Appalachian Highlands

When Communities In Schools of Appalachian Highlands (CIS-AH) opened its doors in 2012, it served just two schools in Bristol, Virginia. Today, it proudly stands beside more than 115 schools across 17 districts in Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Story | May 6, 2026

CIS site coordinator with CIS student Eliza

How CIS Helped Eliza Find Herself

With CIS support, Eliza found her voice, built confidence, and chose a path true to herself.

Story | April 15, 2026

Two CIS site coordinators standing outside of school with CIS student

How Jose Found His Confidence

Learn how CIS helped Jose grow into a confident student and leader.

Story | April 15, 2026

Joab in a red graduation cap and gown with a blue stole, smiling in a hallway.

Joab Found Hope Through CIS

Learn how CIS helped Joab believe in himself and keep going.

Story | April 13, 2026

Showing Up In Times of Uncertainty: CIS Launches Emergency Fund to Support Students and Families

Last fall, as the federal shutdown disrupted essential services and paychecks, Communities In Schools responded with urgency and compassion.

Story | March 11, 2026

CIS Site Coordinator Shelby in front of her bulletin board

A Day in the Life of a CIS Site Coordinator: Shelby Clements

At Communities In Schools, our Site Coordinators are on the front lines every day, helping students navigate challenges, build skills, and thrive in school. For Shelby Clements, a Site Coordinator at CIS of the Dallas Region, every day is a balance of flexibility, support, and relationship-building.

Story | Feb. 10, 2026

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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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