Communities in Schools

Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national non-profit organization addressing the challenges faced by at-risk students. Founded in 1977 by Bill Milliken, the organization works directly inside public and charter schools, providing students with the community support they need to succeed academically and socially. Our mission is centered on the belief that every student deserves to have access to the resources and support necessary to realize their full potential, without being hindered by socioeconomic barriers.

CIS operates in over 3,460 schools across the United States, leveraging a network of dedicated site coordinators who connect students and their families with essential services such as mentoring, tutoring, food assistance, and mental health resources. In the 2022-2023 school year, we reached 2 million students, helping them improve their academic performance and engagement. Our model of integrated student support (ISS) plays a crucial role in reducing chronic absenteeism and fostering environments where students can thrive, showing that a caring adult presence can significantly impact educational outcomes.