Our Mission

Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. is an affiliate of the national Communities In Schools network, the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization. The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We are committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive, gratifying lives, and become contributing members of our society.

The Five CIS Basics

Communities In Schools believes all students need and deserve these five basic resources in order to succeed in school and in life:

1. A one on one relationship with a caring adult.
2. A safe place to learn and grow.
3. A healthy start for a healthy future.
4. A marketable skill to use upon graduation.
5. A chance to give back to peers and community.

A “Safety Net of Support”

We know that caring communities want to help children succeed in life – the issue is how to go about it. By forming partnerships with local corporations, human service agencies, faith communities, civic groups and individual volunteers, CIS provides a “safety net of support” for our community’s neediest children and connects them and their families with the resources and relationships they need to be successful.

CIS-Charlotte currently provides services to more than 6,500 students annually in grades PK-12 in selected Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The scope of current programming includes school-based dropout prevention; college access and career readiness; support for teen mothers balancing the challenges of childcare and high school graduation; and working with youthful offenders to continue their education.

CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg was founded in 1985 in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and with support from First Union National Bank (now Wells Fargo Corporation), the Junior League of Charlotte, and 15 area corporations. Please visit our History page to learn more about the CIS story.

We hope you will join us in our mission to help all students graduate from high school and be prepared for college, careers, and life.