Answers and fast facts about Communities In Schools.
CIS is the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization because we do whatever it takes. Our unique model positions site coordinators inside schools to assess the needs of students and to provide them with resources that will help them stay in school and succeed in life. We partner with local businesses, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and volunteers. Whether it’s providing food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance, or a positive role model, Communities In Schools is there to help. View our Unique Model to learn more about all that we do to empower students.
CIS-SA is changing the picture of education for nearly 102,000 students and their families every year. We do that by working with the most vulnerable students in K-12 and beyond school walls at Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, NXTLevel, Haven for Hope, and Specialty Courts by operating inside school districts in some of the most challenged communities in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Click here to see the latest results from our students.
CIS-SA Site Coordinators are each assigned a school. They serve on the school’s support team and collaborate with staff to identify students at risk of dropping out. In addition, Site Coordinators forge community partnerships that bring programs and funding to the school to benefit students. Every year, CIS-SA performs an annual needs assessment to determine what services students require most and how our organization can best deliver the services. CIS-SA becomes involved in a school only at the invitation of the school or school district.
A Site Coordinator is a paid staff member positioned inside a CIS-SA partner school. They fill a pivotal role as the single point of contact working within a school to provide integrated student supports. Site Coordinators connect students and families with community resources that address academic and non-academic needs. They serve as caring and consistent role models and mentors to students supported by CIS-SA and do everything they can to help students succeed.
The training and experience of Communities In Schools of San Antonio Site Coordinators vary. However, the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a human services field such as social work, psychology, or sociology. Most have extensive experience and educational background in youth development. Many have advanced degrees and licenses related to social work and counseling. All are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students. Once hired, CIS-SA site coordinators receive comprehensive orientation and training for their specific roles and responsibilities.
This rigorous training program includes:
- Building community partnerships.
- Student- and family-needs assessment.
- Level One and Level Two service implementation.
- Data collection and reporting.
- Effective school coordination.
- Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences.
- Trauma Informed Care
- Developmental Relationships
- Trust-Based Intervention
- Restorative Practices
- Site Coordinators also have the opportunity to complete a 16-month certification program — the highest level of professional development offered by Communities In Schools.
CIS-SA provides tiers of services to students.
Tier I services are widely available to foster a positive school climate and address school-level risk factors. Examples include school supplies, crisis intervention, and school-wide interventions.
Tier II services are targeted services typically provided to students with a common need in a group setting. Examples include counseling, supportive guidance, health, and human services, and college and career readiness.
Tier III are intensive, individualized services typically provided one-on-one to students with highly specific needs. Examples include intensive counseling services provided by a licensed mental health clinician.
To learn more about the different kinds of services, we provide, view our Interactive Model.
- One-on-one counseling focusing on anger management, grief, self-esteem, positive choices, social skills, etc.
- Group activities that help with self-esteem, homework, reading skills, writing, leadership, life skills, etc.
- Enrichment activities to expand students’ horizons, such as trips to museums and parks.
- STEM career exploration programs.
- University and college tours.
- Connection with community mentors
- Service-Learning Projects/Community Service.
- Job shadows at local companies.
- Providing students with basic needs.
- One-on-on counseling focusing on anger management, grief, self-esteem, positive choices, social skills, etc.
- Group activities that help with self-esteem, homework, reading skills, writing, leadership, life skills, etc.
- Enrichment activities to expand students’ horizons such as trips to museums and parks.
- STEM/STEAM after-school programs
- University and college tours
- Meeting with community mentors each week
- Service Learning Projects/Community Service
- Job shadows at local companies
- Providing students with basic needs
- Food packs so students have something to eat during the weekend.
- Eyeglasses.
- Hygiene packs (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner, etc.).
- Uniforms.
- Bus passes.
- New and clean clothing for students.
- Shoes.
- Holiday gifts and meals.
- Baby gifts/essentials for teen parents.
- CIS-SA also brings resources to the school, such as dental and vision screenings and financial literacy classes for parents.
CIS-SA formally serves K-12 students, but our site coordinators frequently stay in touch with students beyond high school. Many continue to be a positive force in students’ lives after high school and provide moral support as young people strike out independently.
We measure our performance methodically by carefully evaluating all aspects of our programs and use this knowledge to improve constantly. To learn more about this data and our research efforts, visit the Our Results page for evidence of how our work translates into student success.
Click here to view our list of current school partners. If your school is not listed, please email your request to cissa@cissa.org and one of our team members will provide more information.
There are numerous ways — in short, you can donate or volunteer. Invest in the future of our city by donating to Communities In Schools of San Antonio, which supports thousands of students each year. Or, give us your time by joining thousands of volunteers who help us serve nearly 102,000 young people and their families every year.
Approximately 81 percent of the organization’s expenses go directly to program work supporting students.
Communities In Schools has been recognized for its sound business practices and financial transparency, earning a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guide Star. Click here To learn more about our financial information and to view our latest IRS 990 Form.
Communities In Schools’ work is funded through numerous sources, including federal and corporate grants, as well as foundation and individual donations.
Partnerships with corporations are critical to the CIS-SA mission. Through volunteerism, cause marketing, student internship programs, and employee giving, our corporate partners are dedicated to addressing the dropout crisis and strengthening our future workforce. Several corporate partners also participate in our InspireU program, which offers high school students a workplace mentoring program. Click here to view a list of some of our corporate partners.
To request an interview with a CIS-SA staff member, please contact Jenee Margo Gonzales at 210.520.8440 or jgonzales@cissa.org.