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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

Ramp Up Professional Development

RampUp for Student Success is professional development powered by Communities In Schools.

Learn More about Ramp Up Professional Development

Tools for Schools Educational Resources

Communities In Schools and the American Institutes for Research partnered to develop a set of tools.

Learn More about Tools for Schools Educational Resources

Our Work in Action

Ribbon Cutting at CIS of Greater Tarrant County's New Center for Student Support

CIS of Greater Tarrant County Is Present for More Students and Families with New Center for Student Support

Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County recently celebrated the opening of its new Center for Student Support. A longtime dream of the organization, the new center is expected to transform the community and improve the lives of students and families, offering various resources and services to the community, including a training center, a mental health counseling center, and a fresh food pantry.

Read more of CIS of Greater Tarrant County Is Present for More Students and Families with New Center for Student Support
Story | Oct. 17, 2025
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.

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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 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
CIS Site Coordinator Marco and CIS Alum Esteban

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.

Read more of Esteban: A Full Circle Moment
Story | Dec. 6, 2024
NIEA partnership

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.

Read more of Licensed Partner Spotlight: National Indian Education Association
Story | Nov. 20, 2024
CIS Site Coordinator Deanna and Student Zoe

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.

Read more of A Boost of Confidence Helped Zoe Soar
Story | Nov. 14, 2024

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