Achieve in Life

Established in 2019, Communities In Schools of San Antonio, in collaboration with Goodwill Industries of San Antonio and the City of San Antonio, operates the NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center. This center provides support and resources to Opportunity Youth (OY), individuals aged 16-24 who are not engaged in education or the workforce. OY are offered the assistance of dedicated CIS-SA Life Coaches and GW Education/Career Coaches, all applying a trauma-informed approach. Additionally, CIS-SA Life Counselors are available to provide counseling services when needed. The center’s primary objective is to adopt a team-based approach to assist OY in their chosen pathways. As skilled counselors and social workers, CIS-SA Life Coaches seamlessly integrate wraparound support and case management services. Participating OY can freely access the comprehensive range of resources provided by CIS-SA, which includes case management, social service referrals, mental health services, and emergency/basic assistance. Ultimately, the goal is establishing relationships with disconnected Opportunity Youth, ensuring they access resources and experiences that promote self-esteem, healthy development, and resiliency for academic success and/or the workforce. In 2022, this program was extended, with NISD becoming an additional collaborative partner to benefit the opportunity of youth in the district, concentrating on those youth, particularly around Holmes and John Jay High School. The Original site is NXT Level West, and the new site is NXT Level North.

Since 2019, CIS-SA has taken a significant step by appointing two dedicated Graduation Coaches. Their primary mission is to provide comprehensive support in college, military, and career readiness services. This initiative ensures a seamless transition to post-secondary pathways for at-risk youth, empowering them to shape their futures. Spanning two school districts, this program extends its reach to benefit over 100 male high school students. Through the guidance and expertise of the Graduation Coaches, these students will have invaluable opportunities to engage, receive mentorship, and navigate the crucial steps toward a successful post-secondary education or career. This strategic investment enriches the lives of these young individuals and strengthens our communities by fostering a generation of educated, well-prepared, and empowered citizens.

Communities In Schools of San Antonio remains committed to offering ongoing support to students transitioning from high school to post-secondary education and for those already in college who are moving towards a four-year institution. The Wrap-Around Retention & Persistence Program (WRAPP) is an extension and adaptation of our PreK-12th grade Integrated Student Supports Case Management Model, specifically tailored for the college level. Within this program, a Transitional Site Coordinator is crucial in guiding students as they navigate the challenges of college life and access resources relevant to their needs. The primary objective is to deliver wrap-around case management support, ultimately enhancing student retention and persistence as they work toward achieving their post-secondary educational goals. This initiative reflects our enduring dedication to helping students succeed beyond high school and throughout their college journey.