Back to School, Back to Opportunity
As a new school year begins, classrooms across Ohio fill with energy and possibility. For many students, it’s a fresh start—but for others, it means returning to the same barriers that have hindered their success. At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Ohio, we show up every day to change that, ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive.
Every Student Deserves a Champion: Why Supporting Schools and Students Matters More Than Ever
We believe in one simple truth: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school and in life, regardless of their background or circumstances. Every day, we work alongside schools to break down barriers and build up student success—because when students thrive, so do communities.
Schools Are More Than Classrooms—They’re Lifelines
Schools are more than places where students learn math or reading—they are hubs of safety, support, and stability. For many students, especially those facing poverty or other challenges, school is the most consistent environment they experience each day.
It’s where they are greeted by caring adults, where they can access meals, health services, and social-emotional support. Therefore, our presence inside schools matters. We’re there every day, walking alongside students to remove barriers and open doors to their success.
Three Tiers of Impact
At Communities In Schools of Ohio, our evidence-based model of Integrated Student Supports helps students overcome barriers and reach their full potential through a tiered approach:
- Tier 1 – Schoolwide Services: Universal supports that foster a positive school climate and address school-level risk factors
- Tier 2 – Targeted Group Services: Group-based interventions designed to support students facing similar challenges
- Tier 3 – Individualized Services: Intensive, one-on-one supports tailored to students with the most acute needs, coordinated by our site coordinators in partnership with school staff and families.
In the 2023–2024 school year, CIS of Ohio:
- Partnered with 61 schools across the state
- Reached 35,802 students through schoolwide support
- Engaged 13,800 families
- Provided individualized case management to 2,740 students
Among case-managed seniors:
- 93% graduated on time
- 78% improved attendance
- 80% improved in academics
- 79% improved classroom behavior
A Story of Transformation: Meet Marc
The power of this work is best understood through the students we serve. Take Marc, for example.
Marc struggled with chronic absenteeism and low grades, missing 32 days of school and a 0.88 GPA. With support from the Site Coordinator, a tailored support plan, consistent encouragement, and access to resources, Marc reduced his absences to 8 days and raised his GPA from 1.9 to 3.0.
Marc’s journey illustrates what’s possible when students are surrounded by a community of support.
Why Integrated Student Support Works
Our Site Coordinators use a proven model to identify needs early, build trust, and connect students to vital supports like food, mental health care, and tutoring. The result: better attendance, stronger engagement, and higher graduation rates.
Investing in Students is Investing in Ohio’s Future
Investing in students like Marc means stronger families, schools, and communities. Integrated Student Supports improve attendance, academics, and graduation rates—building a more equitable and thriving Ohio.
