Communities In Schools of Charlotte Mecklenburg, Inc

The mission of Communities In Schools (CIS) is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS is an affiliate of the national Communities In Schools network, the leading dropout prevention organization in the country. Through school-based Site Coordinators, CIS provides case-management services and connects critical community resources to students and their families, tailored to individual needs. CIS forms partnerships with human service agencies, businesses, civic groups, faith communities, and individual volunteers to connect students and families to these resources and the relationships they need to be successful in school and in life. CIS-Charlotte currently provides case-management services to more than 6,000 students annually in grades PK-12 in selected Charlotte-Mecklenburg public schools that have the greatest needs but the fewest resources. An additional 30,000 students in Charlotte are supported annually through school-based programming and coordination of resources. CIS-Charlotte also has programs that specifically focus on college access and advisement for low-income, “first generation” students (to attend college); teen mothers balancing the challenges of childcare and high school graduation (Safe Journey Program); and youthful offenders needing support to continue their education. By empowering students to achieve in school and life, we are building a stronger local community and a stronger America, where every person is capable of reaching his or her potential. The Five CIS Basics CIS provides services, programming, and resources based upon “The Five CIS Basics,” a set of guiding principles that states: Every child needs and deserves: 1. A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult. 2. A safe place to learn and grow. 3. A healthy start and a healthy future. 4. A marketable skill to use upon graduation. 5. A chance to give back to peers and community.