Answers and fast facts about Communities In Schools.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, donor, or community partner, we know you may have questions about how Communities In Schools of San Antonio supports students and schools. Our Frequently Asked Questions page is designed to provide clear and helpful answers about our programs, services, impact, and how you can get involved.
What makes Communities In Schools (CIS) different from other youth-serving organizations?
CIS is the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization because we do whatever it takes. Our unique model positions site coordinators within schools to assess the needs of students and provide them with resources that 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. Explore our Unique Model to learn more about how we empower students.
Who does Communities In Schools of San Antonio (CIS-SA) serve?
CIS-SA is transforming the educational landscape for nearly 136,000 students and their families each year. We achieve this by working with the most vulnerable students in K-12 and beyond, both within and outside school walls, at Palo Alto College, NXTLevel, Haven for Hope, and Specialty Courts, operating within some of the most challenging school districts in San Antonio and its surrounding areas. Click here to see the latest results from our students.
How does CIS-SA work within a school?
CIS-SA Site Coordinators are assigned to each school. They serve on the school’s support team and collaborate with staff to identify students at risk of dropping out. Additionally, Site Coordinators establish community partnerships that secure programs and funding for the school, ultimately benefiting students. Every year, CIS-SA conducts an annual needs assessment to determine which services students require most and how our organization can best deliver them. CIS-SA becomes involved in a school only at the invitation of the school or school district.
What kind of training and experience do CIS-SA Site Coordinators have?
The training and experience of CIS-SA Site Coordinators vary. However, the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field related to human services, such as social work, psychology, or sociology. Most have extensive experience and educational background in youth development. Many hold advanced degrees and licenses in 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.
- Implementation of Level One and Level Two services.
- 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 CIS.
What are tiered services?
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 providing 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 particular needs. Examples include intensive counseling services provided by a licensed mental health clinician.
What services does CIS-SA offer to students that the public may not be aware of?
- 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 and essentials for teenage parents.
- CIS-SA also collaborates with community partners to bring resources to the school, including dental and vision screenings, as well as financial literacy classes for parents.
Do CIS-SA students continue to receive services after they graduate?
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 on their own.
How does CIS-SA evaluate its success?
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.
How do I get CIS-SA in my school?
Click here to view our list of current school partners. If your school is not listed, please email your request to cis.fieldprograms@cissa.org, and a member of our team will provide more information.
How can I help CIS-SA?
There are numerous ways — in short, you can donate or volunteer. Invest in the future of our city by donating to CIS-SA, which supports thousands of students each year. Or, give us your time by joining thousands of volunteers who help us serve over 136,000 young people and their families every year.
How much of my donation will be used to support CIS-SA initiatives?
Approximately 81 percent of the organization’s expenses go directly to program work supporting students.
CIS-SA has been recognized for its sound business practices and financial transparency, earning a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. Click here to learn more about our financial information and to view our latest IRS Form 990.
How is CIS-SA funded?
CIS-SA’s work is funded through numerous sources, including federal, state, local, and corporate grants, as well as foundation and individual donations.
What types of corporate partnerships are helpful to CIS-SA?
Partnerships with corporations are critical to the CIS-SA mission. Through volunteerism, cause marketing, student internship programs, employee giving, and matching gifts, 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 provides high school students with a workplace mentoring experience. Click here to view a list of some of our corporate partners.
Does CIS-SA have someone on staff whom I can interview about the organization?
To request an interview with a CIS-SA staff member, please contact Jenee Margo Gonzales at 210.520.8440 or cdco@cissa.org.
Questions?
If you did not find the answers you were looking for or have further questions for our team, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
