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Connecting Students, Schools, and Communities

We bring the power of caring adults and much-needed resources into schools—directly to the students who need them most. This is what Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is built for. We make those connections.

When CIS is present inside schools, we work with other support staff to bring in community resources and partners to help meet the needs of the school and of students and families. We do this through the work of our site coordinators, who have access to local resources and partners to address local needs. We take this on so school administrators can focus on running the school and teachers can focus on teaching. 

 

Paths to Partnership

Partner with a Local Affiliate

Bring in trained Communities In Schools staff to work directly with students in schools alongside educators and administrators.

Learn More about Partner with a Local Affiliate

Become a Licensed Partner

Receive certification and technical assistance to deliver the full model of integrated student supports across multiple schools or districts.

Learn More about Become a Licensed Partner

15 million kids

aren't making it to class.

But when CIS is present, 99% of our students show up prepared and ready to learn.

0%
of our students remained in school through the end of the 2022-23 school year
0%
of our K-11 students were promoted to the next grade
0%
of our seniors graduated or received a GED

See More Results

*Results are from the 2022-2023 school year. 

Transforming Schools and Communities

We know that the CIS model works because it’s backed by rigorous and independent evaluations. But don’t just take our word for it. Watch this video to hear from the school and district partners who know us best.

 

Power of Partnerships

Our Work in Action

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
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
Deanna and 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
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
Group of kids

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.

Read more of Communities In Schools and Volunteers of America North Louisiana Celebrate Long-Standing Partnership
Story | July 22, 2024
Thank you Hudson!

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.

Read more of Why Rounding Up at the Register Makes a Difference
Story | July 9, 2024
Aaron Mize

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.

Read more of Empowering Success: How CIS Helps Students Define Their Own Paths
Story | June 4, 2024
Graduating Senior Milexy

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.

Read more of Milexy: Giving Back to the Community
Story | May 20, 2024
CIS Graduate Jaleel

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.

Read more of Jaleel: Overcoming Obstacles
Story | May 7, 2024
CIS Senior Mariyah

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

Read more of Mariyah: Engineering a Bright Future
Story | April 26, 2024

Learn About Our Approach

We bring the power of caring adults and much-needed resources into schools—directly to the students who need them most. Together with school administrators and educators, we put students at the center and work hard every day inside schools to respond to their needs.

Learn More

CIS Site Coordinator and Student
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