Communities in Schools
What is Communities in Schools?
Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national non-profit organization that places site coordinators inside public schools to provide at-risk students with essential resources and support, aiming to reduce dropout rates and improve academic success. They connect students with community resources, such as tutoring, food, clothing, and mental health counseling, ensuring students are prepared to learn.
How Does the CIS Model Help Our Students
Integrated Student Supports: We place dedicated Site Coordinators directly within Albemarle schools to identify and navigate the unique barriers -both academic and personal-that prevent students from showing up and succeeding.
Relationship-Driven Mentorship: Following the philosophy that "relationships change children," we foster one-on-one connections that provide the emotional stability and consistent support vulnerable students need to stay engaged in their education.
Strategic Resource Alignment: We act as a hub for the community, mobilizing evidence-based programs and local resources to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has equitable access to the tools they need to graduate and thrive.
Where CIS is serving
Albemarle High School
1,232 students reached
Journey Middle School
374 students reached
Red Hill Elementary School
208 students reached
Woodbrook Elementary School
500 students reached
Greer Elementary School
495 students reached
Impact
Empowering Graduates
We provide the consistent mentorship needed to turn academic struggles into success stories. By placing dedicated Site Coordinators in schools, we ensured that 100% of our case-managed seniors in Albemarle County graduated last year. Additionally, 85% of our students met or exceeded their specific academic improvement targets.
Removing Barriers to Learning
We address "invisible" obstacles-like food insecurity and poor attendance-so students can focus on being students. Our targeted support led to 100% of case-managed students at Greer Elementary meeting their attendance goals. Across the county, we served 3,319 students, providing the essential resources they need to show up ready to learn.
Encouraging Leadership
CIS organizes programs that encourages students to become future leaders and active participants in their communities. At Journey Middle School, Biz Kids Entrepreneurship Program allows student to create business plans, prototypes, and pitch to local judges. In the Literacy Leaders Program, Albemarle High School students mentor Greer Elementary students in reading.
