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All Students Deserve Educations That Lead to Successful Futures

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. 

Our Impact

CIS Graduates

Our Work in Action

Read about how CIS supports students to be successful in school and beyond with post-graduation planning and alumni support. 

CISPA Career Day Inset Photo

Innovative Engagement: The Story of Lebanon High's Career Day Success

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
Story | April 19, 2024
CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenberg Alumni

Supporting Student Success Beyond the Classroom

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
Story | March 18, 2024
CIS of Baytown's Program Director and Executive Director standing beside Alumnus Malik with a black backdrop featuring the CIS logo

Malik: My Experience at Leadership Town Hall 2024

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
Story | Oct. 4, 2024
CIS Alumna Serenity

Serenity: Reflecting on Life After Graduation

“[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
Story | April 19, 2024
Stuff the Bus

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.

Read more of Investing in Back-to-School Readiness at All Levels
Story | Aug. 19, 2025
CIS Alum Christian

Christian: CIS Impact Beyond the Classroom

Christian, a first-year student at Elon University, recently shared his powerful story and the role that Communities In Schools of Chatham County (CISCC) has played in his journey.

Read more of Christian: CIS Impact Beyond the Classroom
Story | Aug. 11, 2025
CIS Alumna Brianna Gaetz

Brianna: Finding Joy and Liberty

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
Story | June 17, 2025
CIS alum with Cecilia Lee

Celebrating Graduates and Building Community

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
Story | June 16, 2025
CIS Graduate Naomi

Naomi: Support That Makes a Difference

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
Story | May 21, 2025
CIS Graduate Roman

Roman: On the Importance of Showing Up

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
Story | May 21, 2025
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.

Read more of Tony: Pushing Forward No Matter What
Story | May 19, 2025
CIS Graduate Neorah

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.

Read more of Neorah: Aspiring to Help Others Achieve Their Dreams
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.

Read more of Sierra: Turning Her Senior Year Into a Success Story
Story | May 13, 2025
Edward Grogan

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.

Read more of Black History Month Spotlight: CIS Alumni Creating 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.

Read more of CIS Licensed Partners: Creating Magic at Mabelvale
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.

Read more of Alumni Spotlight: Kai Green
Story | Jan. 14, 2025

Learn How We Show Up for Students and Alumni

Esteban on Why Being Present Matters

“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.

Read More

 

CIS Site Coordinator Marco and Alumnus Esteban

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