Being Present Matters
Communities In Schools is a national organization that ensures every student, regardless of who they are, their ability, zip code or socioeconomic background, has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. We work directly inside 3,460 schools and community sites across the country, hand-in-hand with parents, families and caregivers, helping them access important resources and support their children’s success.
We show up for students by connecting them to the critical support and resources that they need in order to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Caring adults can make a huge difference in a student’s life.
Our Values
At Communities In Schools, our work is guided by four core values:
- Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and results.
- Integrity – We act with honesty and fairness in all we do.
- Collaboration – We work together with students, families, schools, and partners to maximize impact.
- Excellence – We strive to deliver the highest quality support and outcomes for students.
The Five Basic Principles of CIS
The First Basic: A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult.
Millions of young people lack traditional family support or a broader community network. Communities In Schools steps in by connecting students with mentors and caring adults.
The Second Basic: A safe place to learn and grow.
Many children lack safe, supportive communities, facing violence, poverty, and instability.
The Third Basic: A healthy start and a healthy future.
Children can't focus on school if they’re hungry, cold, or need medical care. Communities In Schools connects families to vital services like healthcare, food, childcare, mental health support, and more, ensuring students have what they need to succeed.
The Fourth Basic: A marketable skill to use upon graduation.
Today's students need knowledge, discipline, and skills for success in college and careers. Communities In Schools supports them with tutoring, literacy programs, career planning, job training, leadership development, and college readiness resources.
The Fifth Basic: A chance to give back to peers and community.
Communities In Schools helps students give back through service-learning, mentoring, volunteering, and community projects, fostering connection and purpose.
Testimonal
“I love working for CIS because its mission aligns with my passion and purpose and allows me to make a difference in the lives of many children and families.”
-Cateria Hobbs, CIS Site Coordinator at Floyd Middle School
Did You Know?
- Students Served: Communities In Schools is the nation’s largest provider of integrated student supports, serving more than 1.6 million students each year.
- Student Success: Students supported by a CIS site coordinator are more likely to stay in school, improve academically, and graduate on time.
- Economic Impact: Every dollar invested in CIS generates more than $11 in economic benefit through increased graduation rates and reduced dropout-related costs.