Volunteer

About Us

The National Organization

With over 200 programs in 25 states and the District of Columbia, Communities in Schools is the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization. CIS’s mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school, learn and prepare for life.

The community-based, not-for-profit model is uniquely suited to address the diverse American profile. It has been proven effective in urban, rural and suburban settings. For two years in a row, Worth Magazine has chosen CIS as one of America’s top 100 non-profit organizations with approximately 90% of all funds used for direct service programs. CIS was also recognized by TIME magazine’s recent Annual National Service Issue as an organization through which working adults can lend a hand in public education.

Every child in a CIS program is guaranteed the Five Basics, a set of essentials developed by Bill Milliken, founder of Communities in Schools:

1. A personal one-on-one relationship with a caring adult.

2. A safe place to learn and grow.

3. A chance to give back to their peers and community.

4. A marketable skill to use upon graduation.

5. A healthy start and a healthy future.

CIS Greenville

CIS Greenville is the locally managed affiliate of the CIS National organization.  We are a  501(c)3 and have been in operation in Greenville since 1991.  We seek to address issues that may negatively affect a child’s success in school. Our school based Site Coordinators work closely with school personnel to identify students that may benefit from extra support. Qualifying risk factors may include:

  • Academic struggles including retention or failing one or more core subject areas
  • Poor school attendance
  • Behavior or self-control problems
  • Lacking basic life skills such as problem-solving, decision making, goal setting, self-esteem, etc…)
  • Health problems or under-addressed medical needs
  • Low socio-economic status
  • Negative influences in the home or community environment
  • Living with someone other than a parent
  • Having a parent or sibling that was a teen parent
  • An open case with the Department of Social Services (DSS)

Once a child is enrolled, they receive services and interventions to meet their academic and social needs. These may include:

  • Afterschool programs and tutoring
  • Life skills development
  • Career exploration
  • Cultural activities
  • Parent involvement activities
  • Health education
  • Referrals to other agencies
  • Regular home visits and other contact with parents or guardians
  • Regular contact with teachers and school personnel to monitor progress

Through partnerships with schools, community resources and volunteers, CIS is able to provide holistic support to a student and their family.