Expand What Works
At Communities In Schools, we believe that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond. Last year, CIS connected 2 million students to essential supports and resources that helped them show up to school and achieve success. CIS also provides students with post-graduation planning support to ensure that students are prepared for life after graduation. Read the stories below to learn more.
Read about how CIS supports students to be successful in school and beyond with post-graduation planning and alumni support.
CIS of Pennsylvania site coordinator Jeffrey Suarez identified the need for post-graduation planning programs and organized a career day that was a hit. Learn about the transformative power of community engagement and support programs in shaping student outcomes.
Read more of Innovative Engagement: The Story of Lebanon High's Career Day Success
Read a Q&A with Jessica Martinez, a financial analyst and CIS of Atlanta alumna.
Read more of Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Martinez
Discover how CIS provides high school students with tailored guidance and resources to achieve their aspirations beyond graduation. Whether they choose college, trade school, or the workforce, CIS is committed to helping empower students to succeed.
Read more of Supporting Student Success Beyond the Classroom
Hi! My name is Malik. I'm an alumnus of Communities In Schools of Baytown. In September 2024, the CIS National Office invited alumni from across the country to attend their annual Leadership Town Hall, and I was able to attend!
Read more of Malik: My Experience at Leadership Town Hall 2024
“[Mr. Primer] was definitely the role model that I needed at the time to help me and guide me onto a positive path for myself... CIS has definitely been able to prepare me in ways I don't think I would have been prepared had I not been in CIS.” – Serenity
Read more of Serenity: Reflecting on Life After Graduation
Since May, CIS has celebrated the remarkable achievements of students ready to embark on new adventures—whether that means entering the workforce, serving in the military, or pursuing higher education.
Read more of Communities In Schools Celebrates the Class of 2024
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
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.
Read more of Mental Health First Aid: A Necessary Skill for Any Adult Who Interacts with Young People
This year, Terrell High School senior Amaya set a BIG goal—earning a scholarship to UT Tyler.
Read more of Amaya: Changing the World
Learn how CIS leaders came together in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the future of education.
Read more of Leading the Future of Education: CIS Brings Powerful Stories and Policy Solutions to Capitol Hill
Learn what Mariyah, Alumna from CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, has been up to since graduation.
Read more of Mariyah: Thriving in College and Beyond
2025 began with a new opportunity to partner with a Whataburger franchisee and engage with the larger CIS network.
Read more of Feeding Student Success: CIS and Whataburger’s Partnership to Be Present for Students
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.
Read more of Black History Month Spotlight: CIS Alumni Creating Legacies
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.
Read more of CIS Licensed Partners: Creating Magic at Mabelvale
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.
Read more of Alumni Spotlight: Kai Green
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.
Read more of Esteban: A Full Circle Moment
This month we proudly spotlight one of our Communities In Schools Licensed Partners, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). Together, we are working to ensure that every student, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to the resources, opportunities, and relationships they need to thrive in school and life.
Read more of Licensed Partner Spotlight: National Indian Education Association“If it wasn’t for CIS, I would not be walking that stage,” Esteban, 18, admitted. “School was never really my thing.”
Like many students, Esteban’s struggles extended beyond the classroom.
That’s when CIS Site Coordinator Marco stepped in. Recognizing the impact of external factors on Esteban's academic performance, Marco had a heart-to-heart conversation with him, offering support and empathy.
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