Communities In Schools (CIS) believes greatness exists in every child. We see potential coursing through them, a promise waiting to be realized.
But in the U.S., 14.5 million children under age 18 live in poverty, shouldering more than they should have to. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, nearly 20% of children (~47,000) live in poverty and more than 70 schools are identified as high-poverty and high-minority. Multiple studies confirm the significant impact that poverty and trauma can have on learning.
At Communities In Schools, our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We envision a community where every child and family thrives and is positioned for upward economic mobility. We work to overcome barriers and the very real challenges that students face resulting from systems beyond their control, and focus on the strengths and potential of individual students.
CIS fuels the power of each student’s potential by connecting them to caring adults and community resources designed to help them succeed. From basic needs such as clothing and health screenings, to academic support, mentoring, and exposure to cultural and work-life experiences, we do whatever it takes to ensure that students – regardless of the challenges they face – have what they need to build on their strengths, experience success in school, and reach their greatest potential. Visit our Volunteer and Social Capital Investor pages to learn how volunteers – individuals, companies, faith and community groups – can support our students.
Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (CIS-Charlotte) is an affiliate of the national Communities In Schools network, which places staff inside 2,300+ schools across the country in 25 states and Washington, D.C. Here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, CIS-Charlotte operates in 54 schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district, providing case-management services to 6,000+ students annually. Another 27,000 students in these same schools receive less intensive services such as in-kind resources, cultural enrichment, college and career awareness, and more.
Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating in the county of Mecklenburg in the state of North Carolina. Our Tax Form 990 and Annual Report are available at these links.