Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo

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Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo Surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Our mission is simple. Communities In Schools, Inc.

CIS surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and succeed in life. is the nation’s largest and most effective organization in addressing the dropout crisis. We place CIS Site Coordinators within the school who connect the right services to the right kids at the right time. Here in Kalamazoo, thanks to anonymous donors, graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools have the gift of up to 100% of their college tuition covered at any of Michigan’s state colleges, universities, or private colleges affiliated with the Michigan Colleges Alliance. Known as The Kalamazoo Promise®, this scholarship has been a catalyst for our community to step up as never before. We meet people every day who, inspired by this awesome gift, are giving back—as volunteers, donors, partners, and staff—to make certain students are able to use the Kalamazoo Promise® to achieve their dreams. Thanks to dedicated community support, CIS surrounds kids with whatever it takes so they can start strong and keep moving forward. The work of Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo is supported by the Kalamazoo Public Schools, the City of Kalamazoo, the Michigan Department of Education (21st Century Community Learning Centers), local foundations, and individual donors like you.

Creativity is present at Woods Lake Elementary's after-school program! Students at the CIS After-School program at Woods...
10/21/2026

Creativity is present at Woods Lake Elementary's after-school program!

Students at the CIS After-School program at Woods Lake Elementary school turned ordinary pumpkins into colorful works of art during a fun-filled fall activity. From bright colors to imaginative designs, every pumpkin was as unique as the student who created it!

Check out the photos.

The CIS after school program is supported by federal dollars awarded through the Michigan Department of Education, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.

At Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, we know that strong communities are built when we show up for one another. We’re...
10/21/2026

At Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, we know that strong communities are built when we show up for one another. We’re proud to join community partners in supporting Stay Covered Kalamazoo, an awareness effort helping ensure eligible people in Kalamazoo County continue to receive Medicaid and can access support. We’re sharing this important information from our community partners and encourage you to help spread the word.

We have another Walking With Purpose Pop-Up Challenge winner!Congratulations to Erica from Lincoln Lions, winner of the ...
10/20/2026

We have another Walking With Purpose Pop-Up Challenge winner!

Congratulations to Erica from Lincoln Lions, winner of the Walking with Purpose Kick-Off Walk raffle! Erica takes home tickets and swag from the Kalamazoo Growlers. Thank you for joining us at our kickoff walk and walking throughout October!

Thank you to the Kalamazoo Growlers for donating this prize and supporting our walkers. Partners like you make this campaign so much fun!

Just under two weeks left of our Walking With Purpose challenge! So far, collectively we have raised $12,023 and walked ...
10/20/2026

Just under two weeks left of our Walking With Purpose challenge! So far, collectively we have raised $12,023 and walked over 11,424 miles!

Last week, we met up with some of our team captains for a mid-month mixer. Check out some of the photos from the event below. Shoutout to Consumers Credit Union for hosting the mixer at their beautiful campus.

We have a Walking With Purpose Pop-Up Challenge winner announcement!Imani is taking home a gift card and bag filled with...
10/19/2026

We have a Walking With Purpose Pop-Up Challenge winner announcement!

Imani is taking home a gift card and bag filled with swag! Thank you Imani for coming to our kickoff walk and snapping a photo for your social media.

There’s still time to get moving with us! Every step helps CIS Kalamazoo keep kids in school and on the path to success. Keep an eye out for more pop-up challenges. You could be next!

Congratulations to Katie, the winner of our Walking With Purpose Scenic Selfie Challenge!Thanks for sharing your photo a...
10/19/2026

Congratulations to Katie, the winner of our Walking With Purpose Scenic Selfie Challenge!

Thanks for sharing your photo and walking with purpose for Kalamazoo students. Katie won Kalamazoo Growlers tickets, hats, and a swag bag, generously donated by the Kalamazoo Growlers!

Thank you, Katie, for supporting local students one step at a time.

10/16/2026

What helps students show up, stay engaged, and succeed in school?

Our newest video highlights the importance of attendance through the experiences of Meko, Phil McIntyre-Sexton, a CIS Site Coordinator at Maple Street Magnet Middle School, and Dr. Boggan, the school's principal.

Together, they share how consistent support, trusted relationships, and a strong school community help students overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Watch now and learn why attendance matters.

Our Walking With Purpose Scenic Selfie Challenge brought in photos from wooded trails, sandy shorelines, cornfields, and...
10/16/2026

Our Walking With Purpose Scenic Selfie Challenge brought in photos from wooded trails, sandy shorelines, cornfields, and even the Lincoln Memorial. We loved seeing walkers (and their four-legged friends) show up for Kalamazoo students all over the map.

Every step you take this October helps Communities In Schools Kalamazoo surround students with the support they need to stay in school and succeed in life.

Thank you to everyone who laced up and snapped a pic, and to our presenting sponsor, Consumers Credit Union!

There’s still time to walk with us. Join or donate: https://ciskalamazoo.org/events/walking-with-purpose/

The photos are in!! We are incredibly grateful for everyone participating in Walking With Purpose this month. Thanks to ...
10/13/2026

The photos are in!!

We are incredibly grateful for everyone participating in Walking With Purpose this month. Thanks to your dedication and support, we've already walked more than 6,000 miles and raised $8,690 to help students in our community! We are getting closer and closer to our goal of 12,000 miles and $50,000! A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Consumers Credit Union, for helping make this year's challenge possible.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's First Steps event sponsored by Kalamazoo Promise and helped launch an amazing month of purpose, connection, and impact.

Enjoy a few of our favorite moments from the Kickoff, captured by Black Magic Media.

10/06/2026

What a way to kick off Walking With Purpose 2026!

A huge THANK YOU to the 150+ community members who joined us at Lincoln International Studies for our kickoff walk.

Special thanks to The Kalamazoo Promise for sponsoring our First Steps event, Consumers Credit Union for serving as our presenting sponsor, and Flowserve and Warner Norcross + Judd for sponsoring every lap walked. We are also grateful to the students and staff at Lincoln for helping make the evening so special.

Couldn't make it? Check out the video recap our friends at The Kalamazoo Promise created and see some of the highlights from an incredible evening of community, purpose, and impact.

Address

180 E. Water Street, Suite 2000
Kalamazoo, MI
49007

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12693371601

Website

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