Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin

11/02/2026

Civic responsibility and advocacy work can start at a young age. At our Youth Advocacy Conference, we asked 16-24 year olds about advocacy and what it means to them.

It is empowering to see youth get involved in their communities and talk about the issues that matter most to them. Some of the most important lessons kids learn don't happen in a classroom. When kids watch the adults in their lives read up on the issues, talk through decisions, and cast a ballot, they learn that their community is something they help shape, and that their voice counts.

Last school year, CISBF supported 16,213 students across Benton and Franklin Counties. Civic engagement is part of our model because young people who feel connected to their community are more likely to stay invested in school and in their future.

Before ballots are due tomorrow, take your kids with you to the drop box, or ask them: "What would you change in our community if you could?" Their answers might surprise you.

Want to invest in the next generation of engaged neighbors? 👉 Vote!

10/30/2026

Our Youth Advocacy Conference was a night designed with purpose to help youth find their voice, understand their power, and learn how to turn issues they care about into action.

It was an incredible night with youth aged 16-24 years old, including parents and guardians and younger elementary aged students. We also had two leadership students from Sageview High School in the Pasco School District #1 participate in a student panel.

Thank you to our keynote speaker: Rodney Outlaw, who also served as a Session Facilitator, along with local leader, Isaac Butts.

A big shout out and thank you to our main sponsor the Inatai Foundation for making this event possible, Lutheran Community Services Northwest TriCities who donated their venue where we could meet, Papa Johns Pizza Tri-Cities for providing dinner, the Starbucks Foundation, and Amazon.com for donating incentives for the evening.

We are also grateful to our community partners for being there to provide resources and information for our attendees:

✨ PFLAG
✨ Community Health Plan of Washington
✨ AACCES
✨ Columbia Basin College (CBC)
✨ STCU
✨ Goodwill
✨ Charter College
✨ Recovery and Wellness Center
✨ LCSNW NextGen
✨and Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU).

Championing our youth to get involved in using their voice and building their power is a part of our evidence-based model to help our students and their families learn about how they can make a difference.

As one participant said, "I learned that advocacy is doing something I value and that it can be big or small."

10/29/2026

Celebrating our principals this month for their vision, integrity, and compassion. We are proud to associate with incredible leaders in 27 schools across four school districts in Benton and Franklin Counties.

When students feel seen and supported, they thrive in school and at home. We're honored to celebrate our principals and how they show up every day for our students.

10/27/2026

Think back to when you were a teenager. Was there one adult who noticed when something was off? Someone who asked the second question, the one that got past "I'm fine"?

That person can change the direction of a young life.

At Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin, our student support coordinators are trained to be that steady presence and to build a plan around each student's goals, not just their struggles.

Last school year, 1,184 students received one-on-one support with their parent or guardian's consent. 84% improved academically and 76% improved their behavior.
When young people feel safe, seen, and supported, they show up, they stay, and they graduate.

Who was your person? Tell us in the comments. 👇

10/26/2026

We are grateful for the strong partnerships that we have with Richland School District and Tapteal Elementary.

Thank you to our legislators for visiting and learning more about our collaborative mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life!

10/22/2026

Today is the DAY!

If you are 16 to 24 years old, please come join us at our free Youth Advocacy Conference tonight from 5:30pm-8:00pm. If you want to make an important impact in our community, this conference is for you!



¡Hoy es el día! Si tienes entre 16 y 24 años, acompáñanos esta noche en nuestra Conferencia de Defensa Juvenil gratuita, de 5:30 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. Si quieres generar un impacto importante en nuestra comunidad, ¡esta conferencia es para ti!

10/21/2026

Being seen and known is one of the most basic needs a student has.

It looks like an adult who says your name the way you say it, who takes the time to understand you whether you speak English, Spanish, or something else, and who makes sure you have what you need to walk into class ready.

About 1 in 6 of the students we supported one-on-one last year is an English language learner, and many are newcomers facing a new school, a new language, and a new community all at once. Our student support coordinators help students and their families find their footing so learning can happen.

When young people feel safe, seen, and supported, they show up, they stay, and they graduate.

10/19/2026

Do you have experience working in fundraising and grant writing? Do you want to give back to your community in a big way?

Join our team! We are seeking a Development Director. This is a hybrid (in-person and remote) position.

Share this post with a friend who you think would be a great fit.

Apply now: https://bentonfranklin.ciswa.org/jobs/ or visit our link in bio.

Development Director Posted on September 15, 2026 We are looking for a creative fundraiser who will grow and diversify CISBF's funding streams. The Development Director will lead grant writing and reporting, deepen relationships with current funders and will work collaboratively with the Executive D...

10/16/2026

Did you know that in Washington State, 16 and 17-year-olds can preregister to vote? Sit down today with your teenager and discuss why their vote matters. Visit VoteWA.gov to register today.

10/14/2026

Our Youth Advocacy Conference is next week on October 22. Are you 16 to 24 years old or do you have a young adult that lives with you that is passionate about community service and advocacy work?

Here's two of our Board Members, Gunnar Floyd and Carlos Solis, sharing more about what to expect: https://bit.ly/4zBBDwZ.

We will be learning from local leaders about how to make an impact, there will be a resource fair, free food, and more! We hope to see you there! .

Nuestra Conferencia de Defensa Juvenil es 22 de octubre. ¿Tienes entre 16 y 24 años, o vive contigo un joven adulto al que le apasiona el servicio a la comunidad y el activismo? Aprenderemos de líderes locales cómo generar un impacto; habrá una feria de recursos, comida gratis ¡y más! ¡Ojalá nos veamos allí!