Amaya: Changing the World
This year, Terrell High School senior Amaya set a BIG goal—earning a scholarship to UT Tyler.
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Being Present Matters
Educators know firsthand that students need a caring community of adults and important resources to succeed at school. Our evidence-based model links CIS site coordinators with educators and administrators to respond to student needs. And the data shows it’s working: for more almost 50 years, CIS has supported millions of students in achieving goals in school, the workforce, and life.
Educational Resources
Our Work in Action
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.
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Mariyah: Thriving in College and Beyond
Learn what Mariyah, Alumna from CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, has been up to since graduation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Esteban: A Full Circle Moment
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.
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Licensed Partner Spotlight: National Indian Education Association
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.
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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.
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Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Martinez
Read a Q&A with Jessica Martinez, a financial analyst and CIS of Atlanta alumna.
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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."
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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!
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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.”
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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.
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Communities In Schools and Volunteers of America North Louisiana Celebrate Long-Standing Partnership
Communities In Schools has established successful licensed partnerships with state education agencies, school districts, and community-based organizations across the country, enhancing support systems for students. One notable partnership is with Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOANLA) in Shreveport, La., which dates back to 2013 and remains CIS' longest-standing licensed partnership.
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Communities In Schools Celebrates the Class of 2024
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.
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Why Rounding Up at the Register Makes a Difference
Every day, millions of retail, restaurant, and online shoppers are given the choice to add a donation to their purchase. Most often, it involves rounding up to the nearest dollar—which could be anywhere from a few pennies to ninety-nine cents.
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Empowering Success: How CIS Helps Students Define Their Own Paths
There are many success stories from our work at CIS HOT. In 2023, we helped 50 students get paid internships and earn more than $63,000 in wages. This school year, we served more than 4,000 students – and each one of them has their own dream for their future.
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Milexy: Giving Back to the Community
When I was a sophomore I joined Communities In Schools (CIS) not knowing that this decision would change my next three years in high school. I am a shy and introverted person. I don't usually talk to people much but volunteering with many people and going and seeing many places helped me with my shyness so I could make new friendships.
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Jaleel: Overcoming Obstacles
Jaleel is a senior in high school, something that he did not think possible just two years ago. Jaleel was referred to Communities In Schools® (CIS®) during his sophomore year because he was chronically absent, a serious risk factor for adverse outcomes. He was out of school at least two days every week. Not surprisingly, his grades suffered.
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Mariyah: Engineering a Bright Future
“The single thing I'm most proud to have accomplished is not caring what others think or who does not like me. I tend to visit Mrs. Miller during lunch and talk to her about personal life situations. She always provides advice using her personal experience to connect relevance.” -Mariyah
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Bria: Finishing Strong
To the class of 2025, Bria offers words of encouragement based on her own journey: "Stay positive. Staying positive will help you make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. I stayed positive, I believed in myself that I could graduate. It might be hard, but just keep in your head that you got this."
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Nia: Motivated to Make a Difference
Meet future physician Nia, a senior at Billy Ryan High School who aspires to make a difference and a living helping others. Nia is an active participant in Communities In Schools of North Texas' (CISNT) college and career readiness group, where she receives support and guidance as she prepares for life after high school.
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