Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools (CIS)
Martha Montoya Sanchez (713) 251-2842
Dania Saiz (713) 251-2895
Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) has served at-risk students in the Greater Houston Area since 1979. CIS is a campus-based, nonprofit organization providing direct services and resources to under-served children with unmet needs. By surrounding them with a community of support, CIS empowers students to stay in school and achieve in life.
CIS believes that every child deserves and needs the Five Basics to succeed academically and beyond. The Five Basic principles of CIS are:
1. A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult
Children need positive role models to create expectations for success, offer encouragement and provide academic support. CIS provides children who are at-risk with a responsible adult to foster their positive growth and development.
2. A safe place to learn and grow
Through after-school and summer programs focused on academics and life skills, CIS is dedicated to ensuring that students have a safe and appropriate environment in which to learn and achieve their potential.
3. A healthy start and a healthy future
Many school-aged children lack basic medical services and nutritious food – essential for healthy development. CIS provides access to health and dental care, food programs and counseling services for thousands of students who might otherwise go without.
4. A marketable skill to use upon graduation
When students see that they have options in life, they get excited about their future. CIS works with students on career development and readiness, and helps create pathways to college.
5. A chance to give back to peers and community
CIS works with students to build their confidence, develop their talents and leadership skills, and strengthen their involvement in community service and service-learning activities.
The dropout rate is an epidemic that affects the entire community.
- Over 50% of Houston’s kindergarteners will leave school before high school graduation
- Houston’s graduation rate is the 4th worst in America
Reducing the number of dropouts would produce dramatic economic benefit for the Houston community. Over 130 million dollars would be earned and pumped into the Houston economy if merely half of the students who dropped out of one class year had graduated.
For more information feel free to contact us at 713-251-2895 or visit our office at D101.