Communities In Schools

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Communities In Schools Communities In Schools® (CIS®) empowers students to stay in school and achieve in life. states and the District of Columbia.

Communities In Schools brings community resources into schools to ensure that all students – regardless of who they are, their ability, zip code or socioeconomic background – have what they need to realize their full potential in school, the workforce and beyond. During the 2021-2022 school year, Communities In Schools provided services to more than 1.8 million students and families in 25 U.S. We help students meet academic, behavioral and attendance goals – improving retention, promotion and graduation rates.

Meet Leanna Esquivel, a 2018 graduate and Communities In Schools alum from Tacoma, Washington. 🧡Now serving on the CIS A...
10/08/2026

Meet Leanna Esquivel, a 2018 graduate and Communities In Schools alum from Tacoma, Washington. 🧡

Now serving on the CIS Alumni Advisory Council, Leanna brings her perspective, experiences, and commitment to building stronger communities to this next chapter of alumni leadership.

What does the future of CIS alumni look like to Leanna?

“Powerful, expansive, and limitless.”

CommunityImpact

Who is Leanna beyond her work and community involvement?

She’s all about connection, adventure, and creating memories. ✈️🎤💃

Leanna loves exploring different cuisines and cultures, traveling, dancing, karaoke, thrifting, going to the gym, and trying experiences that push her outside of her comfort zone.

But some of her favorite moments are the simplest: being surrounded by family and friends, sharing good food, laughing, and enjoying life together.

CommunitiesInSchools

What does Leanna hope to accomplish over the next five years?

She wants to build a life centered on growth, activism, adventure, and purpose—while continuing to advance professionally and deepen her understanding of how communities can create spaces where more people experience equity and belonging.

Leanna also plans to continue her education and pursue certifications focused on equity, belonging, leadership, and project management while learning from new people, communities, and cultures.

Her ultimate goal? A life filled with purpose, meaningful work, community, new experiences, and people she loves. 🧡

CommunityLeadership CommunitiesInSchools

We’re proud to share that Communities In Schools Founder and Vice Chairman Bill Milliken will take the stage at the 2026...
10/07/2026

We’re proud to share that Communities In Schools Founder and Vice Chairman Bill Milliken will take the stage at the 2026 Global Mission Summit in Dallas on Thursday, October 8.

In his keynote, “The Most Impactful Technology Innovation in Education: Human Connection,” Bill will challenge entrepreneurs, educators, funders and mission-driven leaders to rethink what innovation in education can look like and recognize the powerful role trusted relationships play in helping young people succeed.

For nearly 50 years, that belief has been at the heart of Communities In Schools. Today, the CIS Network works in more than 3,500 schools and serves more than 2 million students annually, surrounding students with caring adults and the resources they need to thrive.

As Bill says, “Human connection is not separate from innovation. It is foundational to it.”
We’re honored to see this message take center stage at .

Learn more: https://cisnational.org/4i5CKyO

Meet James Leap, a 2025 graduate of Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania and a member of the CIS Alumni Adviso...
10/06/2026

Meet James Leap, a 2025 graduate of Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania and a member of the CIS Alumni Advisory Council. 🧡

James represents the next generation of CIS alumni using their experiences, passions, and leadership to make a difference beyond graduation.

Who are CIS alumni? They are emerging leaders continuing to grow, serve, and create impact in their communities.

Meet Ariana Ellis, a proud Communities In Schools of Atlanta alum and member of our new Alumni Advisory Council. 🎓🧡Arian...
10/01/2026

Meet Ariana Ellis, a proud Communities In Schools of Atlanta alum and member of our new Alumni Advisory Council. 🎓🧡

Ariana graduated high school in 2021 and now brings her lived experience, perspective, and passion for community to this next chapter of CIS alumni engagement.

Who are CIS alumni? They are leaders, advocates, professionals, and changemakers continuing the impact of Communities In Schools long after graduation.

BeingPresentMatters

Who is Ariana beyond her work in the community?

She loves traveling, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, attending sporting events, and discovering new places and experiences. She also values quiet moments to reset and reflect.

Those experiences help shape the perspective she brings to the Communities In Schools Alumni Advisory Council as we create more opportunities for alumni to connect, grow, and lead.

What does Ariana hope to accomplish next?

Over the next five years, Ariana plans to build a career in mental and behavioral health, with a focus on supporting justice-involved populations. Her goal is to become a licensed mental health professional while continuing to grow as a community leader and create opportunities for young people and fellow CIS alumni.

For Ariana, the future of CIS alumni is rooted in “continued connection, collaboration, and impact.”

Graduation may mark the end of high school, but the CIS journey can become the foundation for new relationships, opportunities, leadership, and lasting community impact.

It’s , and this past weekend our new Alumni Advisory Board was on mission in Memphis! 🙌Between breakout sessions, group...
09/28/2026

It’s , and this past weekend our new Alumni Advisory Board was on mission in Memphis! 🙌

Between breakout sessions, group discussions, and plenty of big-picture thinking, alumni representatives from Los Angeles to Charlotte came together to strategize, collaborate, and help shape the future of the CIS alumni network.

This board is bringing lived experience, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to strengthening how we engage, connect, and elevate alumni across the country. 💙
Stay tuned throughout October as we introduce our new Alumni Advisory Board members and share more about the vision they’re helping build.

📚 : What is chronic absence?Chronic absence is when a student misses 10% or more of the school year, roughly 18 days in...
09/25/2026

📚 : What is chronic absence?

Chronic absence is when a student misses 10% or more of the school year, roughly 18 days in a 180-day school year.

Those days add up.

Missing school can mean missing:
📖 Important learning
🤝 Connections with caring adults
👥 Time with classmates
🎯 Opportunities to stay on track

At Communities In Schools, we work to understand the barriers behind attendance challenges and surround students with the support they need to keep showing up.

Because showing up today can help shape what’s possible tomorrow. 💙

Being present matters.

⏰ Only 7 days left to make your spare change count!Through September 29, your next trip to can help support students an...
09/22/2026

⏰ Only 7 days left to make your spare change count!

Through September 29, your next trip to can help support students and communities through the Together in Education campaign.

Simply round your purchase up to the nearest dollar at checkout. Those extra cents help support Communities In Schools National Office, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Classroom Central, and The Salvation Army USA ,helping fund after-school programs, wellness initiatives, classroom supplies, and educational resources for students who need them most.

💙 7 days. One simple action. A lasting impact.

Next time you shop, remember to round up, give back, and help students thrive.

StudentSupport EducationMatters

🎒 Backpacks are just the beginning.Across the Communities In Schools® network, communities are coming together to help s...
09/21/2026

🎒 Backpacks are just the beginning.

Across the Communities In Schools® network, communities are coming together to help students start the school year feeling confident, supported, and ready to learn. 💙

From school supplies and hygiene essentials to dental resources, classroom incentives, and support for families, CIS affiliates and their partners are helping remove the barriers that can stand between students and the classroom.

📍 Communities In Schools of Cape Fear
📍Communities In Schools-Charlotte
📍 Communities In Schools of Michigan

Different communities. Different needs. One shared commitment: showing up for students.

Because when students have what they need and caring adults in their corner, they have a stronger foundation to succeed.

Read our latest blog, “Beyond Backpacks: CIS Welcomes Students Back with Community Support.”

Learn more here: https://cisnational.org/4xGRYz0

09/18/2026

Celebrating Our Communities In Schools Site Coordinators!

We are incredibly grateful for our amazing CIS Site Coordinators! Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to supporting our students and families make a difference every day. Thank you for being a vital part of our Bobcat community! 🐾

We appreciate all that you do!

Address

2461 South Clark Street, Suite 1200
Arlington, VA
22202

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17035198999

Website

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