#CommunitiesInSchools surrounds students with community of support to stay in school, achieve

By North SA Chamber Editor
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PrintYou can imagine how apprehensive children can be about starting a new school year but imagine if the child also has to worry about when they might get to eat their next meal or family problems they may have or even if they will have the proper tools to start the new school year. All of these and much, much more are barriers that can threaten a student’s success in school.

CIS1Communities In Schools of South Central Texas (CIS) surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. School-based Site Coordinators connect students and their families to critical community resources and remove whatever barriers are keeping them from being successful. CIS is the leading dropout prevention organization and the only proven to both decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates. The CIS model is affordable, adaptable to local needs, proven effective according to an independent five-year study, and offers a strong return on investment.

The dropout crisis affects all of us; it costs our nation billions of dollars each year on lost revenue and increased spending on government programs. If a student doesn’t graduate, they are 75% more likely of being unemployed, three times more likely to live in poverty and six times more likely to become incarcerated. Every dollar invested in Communities In Schools returns $11.60 to the community.

CIS4Last year Communities In Schools of South Central Texas operated in 21 schools in four schools districts – Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, Comal ISD, Marion ISD and New Braunfels ISD. They served 2,100 students with intensive, one-on-one support and 17,000 students benefitted from school-wide programming/services. Of the students that received intensive services, 99% in grades 7-12 stayed in school, 95% were promoted to the next grade and 100% of CIS seniors received a high school diploma.

CIS3Not only is CIS empowering students to complete their high school education, they are helping students reach beyond graduation. The Project Success College Career Leadership Program is a multifaceted program designed to remove barriers to college access and increase retention while in college. Students participating in Project Success receive college and career counseling, crisis intervention, field trips to area colleges/universities, assistance with SAT/ACT testing, college applications, financial aid and scholarship assistance.

If you are interested in helping CIS surround students with a community of support, there are many different ways to get involved:

  • Donate-Every dollar has a huge impact on the students CIS serves with intensive ongoing case management services AND for every dollar invested, CIS returns $11.60 to the community!
  • Mentor- In just 30 minutes a week you can build a one-on-one relationship with a student who needs you. Help them build self-esteem and make positive choices, as well as enrich your own life.
  • Shop-The CIS Thrift Store is located at 1024B San Antonio St in New Braunfels and has a boutique section that you won’t want to miss.
  • Volunteer- Volunteer your time at a CIS fundraising event or at the CIS Thrift Store.

To find out more about Communities In Schools of South Central Texas visit Facebook