About Us
Unapologetically advancing educational equity, preparing more students and families for success in life, and fostering inclusivity.
Learn why our model works.
Effort to Impact
CIS of Memphis is working to build a community of support to meet the needs of students in the Memphis area.
Our Role
Whatever it takes. However, they need us. We’re in schools to keep kids in school.
By ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed, we are building stronger, healthier, and more economically stable communities where every person is capable of reaching his or her greatest potential.
Data-Driven
Our programs are evidence-based and data-driven. We regularly collect and analyze student data to ensure we are maintaining and continually improving our client’s outcomes.
Relationship-Focused
Communities In Schools was founded on the belief that relationships, not programs, create change.
Multigenerational Model
We understand that student success cannot be separated from family success. Our model empowers families to build self-sufficiency skills for adults, as well as children.
Resource-Based Support
Through numerous partnerships, we ensure families can identify, and navigate, and access the resources they need to succeed.
Proven Results
More than 95% of CISM case-managed seniors graduate ready to access post-secondary education opportunities.
This figure is more than double the state’s TN Ready average. Not only does our College and Career Readiness team clear a pathway for students to enter the workforce, begin classes at a post-secondary institution, or enlist in the military, we provide each graduating senior with tangible supplies they’ll need to be successful after graduation during our yearly “Pathways to Success” event.
Our Destination
Our vision is simple – stronger Memphis communities.
Our Voice
“My dream is that schools become the center of our communities again, and that kids take pride in their learning because their schools take pride in them.”
Tami Sawyer
Shelby County Commissioner and
Chair of Education in Memphis
Overview
The vision of CIS of Memphis is to strengthen our communities by addressing non-academic barriers to ensure schools have equitable access to services and interventions, empowering students to graduate from high school prepared for post-secondary opportunities.
Our Values
More than just words, our values are our recipe for truly transformative change
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We are propelled by the belief that all students can achieve.
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We believe progressive change requires different perspectives, cultures, and experiences.
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We build community by showing respect and care, and fostering collaborations.
Our priorities and decisions are transparent and mission-focused.
Our Story
We were founded on the belief that all students deserve a community of support.
We believe that every child, regardless of their ZIP code or family circumstance, deserves an opportunity to be successful in life. We work to secure that chance for children in Memphis and Shelby County.
Our History
As an accredited affiliate of the national Communities In Schools (CIS) network, our story begins in New York City in the 1970s. Bill Milliken, then a youth advocate, was working to ensure adolescents had the opportunity to continue their education despite facing barriers. His experience led him to the idea of bringing community resources inside public schools – where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. CIS is now the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization, operating in more than 2,300 schools in the most challenged communities of 25 states and the District of Columbia and serving 1.5 million young people and their families each year.
Focused on Our Future
CIS of Memphis began as an embedded affiliate in the Communities In Schools of Tennessee network in 2014. CIS of Memphis is now an independent affiliate operating exclusively in the greater Memphis area and focusing specifically on addressing the needs of local students and schools.
Currently, CIS of Memphis serves over 4,000 students and 90 family units across three unique programs. By ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed, we are building stronger, healthier, and more economically stable communities where every person is capable of reaching his or her greatest potential.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Communities In Schools of Memphis promotes diversity, equity and inclusion by providing a space to belong. Through inclusive support, intentional relationships and innovative solutions, we inspire all of our stakeholders including students, family, staff, board members and partners, to advocate for self and community. We are an evolving organization committed to challenging norms, dismantling systems, and eliminating barriers, with integrity and joy, equipping our community with the skills and support they need to live a life of agency and choice. We unapologetically uplift marginalized students and families by providing equitable access to resources, surrounding them with a community of support and empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life, one life at a time.
Featured Partners
Strength in Numbers
Featured Partners
Strength in Numbers
Featured Partners
Strength in Numbers
Our work isn't possible without your support.
Learn how you can help us make an impact through a powerful partnership.
