CIS of Chicago alumna, Zari, met Student Supports Manager, Ms. Simone Woods, at the start of her senior year in high school. Zari says she didn’t have much direction at that time, but with Ms. Woods’ support, she received guidance, stability, and focus — and graduated from high school on time.
Impact In Our Community
Chicago Public Schools students benefited from programs and services provided by or connected through CIS of Chicago.*
students in grades K-12 were served by Student Supports Managers. Together, they created a plan to develop the skills and access the resources these students need to reach their full potential.*
schools were served by our Partnership Specialists, who linked community partner programming that addressed student and school needs.*
*Data from the 2020-21 school year
Latest News
NonProfit PRO: 4 Ways to Pivot When a Crisis Threatens Your PR Goals
Adaptation became the name of the game when the COVID-19 pandemic hit more than two years ago. Our Programs Team shifted the way it served
WGN: Focus on Family – Mental Health First Aid Training
How can parents support their children’s mental health? Dr. Judith Allen joined WGN-TV for a discussion on the signs that parents should look out for
ABC-7: The Tenacity Awards Honor CPS Students
CIS Student Supports Manager Juanita Herrera, along with seventh-grader Jocelyn Ventura and her mom Rosa Ventura, joined ABC-7’s Rob Elgas for an interview about Jocelyn’s
Our Partnership Team hosted Summer Institute yesterday for 100+ leaders from CIS' community partner network! The day of learning and collaboration provided organizations with the resources to execute impactful student programming this school year.
Community organizations play a critical role in student learning, and our team was honored to host Summer Institute for the tenth year running.
Check out our interview with CBS Chicago at the link below. Senior Director of Partnerships Robin Koelsch shares more about CIS' role in linking enriching resources and programs with Chicago Public Schools.
Chicago community organizations come together to meet student, educator challenges with new school year coming
Between COVID, rising prices, and staffing shortages, the need is great. ... See MoreSee Less
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What message resonates most with you today?
Here's a throwback to some Hope Notes that CIS supporters shared with Chicago Public Schools students -- but they are just as meaningful for adults, too.
#MotivationalMonday #AllinforKids ... See MoreSee Less
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CIS of Chicago is thrilled to expand our network of school partners this year from 175 to 200. This tremendous growth means that CIS of Chicago now serves over 30 percent of all Chicago Public Schools!
As the new school year approaches, we’d like to highlight some of our new school partners and share a little more about their unique school communities.
First up are new partner schools on the Far South Side.
-- Christian Fenger Academy High School prepares its students for the demands of post-secondary education, meaningful careers, and effective citizenship.
-- Percy L. Julian High School provides an arts-integrated education built on justice, joy, and anti-racism.
-- Theophilus Schmid Elementary School is recognized for continued academic growth and a wide range of extracurricular programs for all students.
-- Charles H. Wacker Elementary School prides itself on being a small, personalized, and student-centered learning environment.
Welcome, Fenger, Julian, Schmid, and Wacker, to the CIS of Chicago family! #allinforkids ... See MoreSee Less
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What are community organizations saying about CIS of Chicago's impact?
“Honestly, CIS of Chicago has been fantastic," said Christina Lepri, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Northlight Theatre. "CIS is filling a big hole in the Chicago school partner landscape, and they have directly connected us with schools interested in our programs."
"I also think that the link between mental health supports and the arts in Chicago Public Schools has been made stronger because of CIS.”
We love our community partners! And we can't wait to collaborate with them during the 2022-23 school year to continue meeting student, family, and school needs.
Learn more about Northlight Theatre below: ... See MoreSee Less
Home | Northlight Theatre
northlight.org
Northlight is one of the largest non-profit professional theatres in the Chicago area, producing Intensely Entertaining theatre on Chicagos North Shore.Comment on Facebook
This is your friendly reminder to take a moment today for some slow breaths in and out!
Elementary students from Cardenas, a CIS of Chicago school partner, demonstrate how in the video below. ... See MoreSee Less
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Adaptation became the name of the game when the COVID-19 pandemic hit more than two years ago. Our Programs Team shifted the way it served students, families, and communities, and our Communications Team adapted, too.
Chief Innovation and Communications Officer B. E. St. John reflects on how CIS of Chicago created a new PR strategy, even in the midst of crisis, in the NonProfit PRO article below!
Check out his recommendations for nonprofits to leverage their team's expertise and build brand awareness: ... See MoreSee Less
4 Ways to Pivot When a Crisis Threatens PR Goals
www.nonprofitpro.com
For the last two years, adaptation has been the name of the game for the PR world. However, the tools we used to pivot during the COVID era, can crossover into any crisis. Here are four strategies to ...Comment on Facebook
CIS Freshmen Rising Coordinator Brian supports ninth graders as they make the transition from elementary school to high school, and he provides them with ongoing guidance.
At the end of this school year, Brian asked his students what they learned about themselves, what strategies they will keep as sophomores, what they achieved, and what takeaways they had from the Freshmen Rising program.
Students reported that the support helped a lot -- everything from the motivation that Brian provided, the time management skills he helped them develop, and the goal-setting to just being a person they could talk to when they needed support.
#AllinforKids ... See MoreSee Less
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You may have heard the news that we are hiring for multiple positions, but have you checked out all of the benefits?
In addition to making a difference in the lives of Chicago students, CIS team members are a part of a people-first workplace where ownership, innovation, and career growth are encouraged!
Learn more about our organization and open positions on our website: www.cisofchicago.org/join-our-team/ ... See MoreSee Less
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We wish you a wonderful, safe, and relaxing Fourth of July holiday, from our CIS of Chicago family to yours!
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Our Board of Directors and team members across the organization work together to ensure that CIS of Chicago maintains its position as the leading nonprofit in Chicago dedicated to removing barriers so that students can unlock their potential and stay on the path to graduation.
Emphasizing good governance practices and building diversified funding streams ensures that CIS of Chicago remains financially strong so that it can create brighter futures for our city’s young people. Today we’d like to recognize one of our dedicated supporters, Jackson. Not only is Jackson helping CIS build a robust balance sheet, but they are enabling people across the country to achieve their own financial freedom.
Thank you, Jackson, for supporting Chicago students on their path to success in school and life! #allinforkids ... See MoreSee Less
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Brisa wasn't sure if she'd ever reach graduation day, but with the help of Student Supports Manager Stephanie, Brisa graduated this spring and is excited for her future. She's been accepted to three universities and is interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
Learn more about Brisa's journey to graduation and the impact that CIS of Chicago had on her self-confidence, her motivation, and her outlook on life: ... See MoreSee Less
Brisa: Looking Forward to the Future
www.communitiesinschools.org
When Brisa was a ninth grader, she wasn’t sure if she’d ever see graduation day. School wasn’t something she was interested in, so she didn’t …Comment on Facebook
Congrats to the Class of 2022! We know this year hasn’t been easy, but you stayed strong, pushed forward, and made it to graduation day -- and we couldn’t be prouder. We wish you all the best as you live out your dreams! 🎓
#allinforkids #graduation #2022graduate ... See MoreSee Less
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