Our Mission
Founded in 1999, Communities In Schools of Virginia is part of the national Communities In School network. Our shared mission: Surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Communities In Schools of Virginia is currently composed of six affiliate organizations embedded in communities across Virginia, serving 25 school systems, 164 schools, and more than 113,000 students.
Our Belief
Communities In Schools of Virginia believes that transformative relationships are key to unlocking an individual’s inherent potential. We are committed to ensuring all students in Virginia, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances, have equal access to opportunities and resources to thrive in school and beyond. We reject discrimination, prejudice, and bias in all forms and strive to create and foster inclusive environments where all individuals are welcomed, respected, valued, and empowered to engage authentically. By consistently demonstrating our commitment to these beliefs, we contribute to the creation of a more equitable and just society.
Our Purpose
At the state office, we strive to strengthen the CIS of Virginia network by providing local CIS affiliate leaders, staff and boards with the knowledge, tools and resources that build strong and sustainable organizations.
We also identify opportunities for growth and assist communities in creating and sustaining new CIS affiliates.
We ensure the fidelity to the evidence-based model that has proven to deliver the right form of support to the students who need it most.
Communities In Schools provides essential support to Affiliate teams
Our Model
The cornerstone of the CIS model is integrated student support. That means that each of our participating schools has a trained professional on-site, acting as a link to school-wide services, targeted programs and individual support based on each student’s needs. This model means that students and teachers both get the help they need to be successful.
Our affiliates partner with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers and volunteers to provide a coordinated system of support. Whether it’s food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance, mentorship or behavioral interventions, Communities In Schools is there to help. Learn more about CIS’s evidence-based model of supports.
Surround students
with high quality
supports
Develop social, emotional, and academic competencies
Improve their attendance, behavior, and academics
Help them get
promoted to
the next grade
Keep them on
the path towards
graduation
Promote their college,
career, and/or
civic readiness
Schools and students with access to CIS in Virginia:
Students Served in the CIS-VA Network
The CIS-VA network’s reach has more than tripled over the last decade, thanks to significant investment from the Commonwealth of Virginia which we have leveraged in the private sector and the communities we serve. CIS-VA is committed to reaching every high-need school in Virginia, including seeking innovative ways to reach small, rural districts.