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., over 12 million children under age 18 live in poverty, shouldering more than they should have to. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, approximately 30,000 to 41,000 (14%) of children under 18 live below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district (CMS), the number of schools designated Title I (meaning the majority of students live near or below the poverty line) has increased significantly over the past decade. Today, more than half of all CMS schools are Title I. 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 help students overcome barriers and the very real challenges they 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.
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. Here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, CIS-Charlotte operates in 56 schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district, providing individual case-management services to approximately 6,000 students annually. Another ~30,000+ 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.