BE A SPARK
Communities In Schools works to ignite hope in kids so that they can succeed in school, graduate and be prepared for life. CIS addresses the barriers that get in the way of success. CIS Site Coordinators literally bring the community and all the ways it can help, into the schools. This is how we surround kids with whatever it takes-from tutors and food assistance to health services and college visits-so they can start strong and keep moving forward.
Together we’re making an impact.
11,000+
STUDENTS
Benefited from a service coordinated by CIS
20
KPS SCHOOLS
Served by CIS, at the elementary, middle, and high school level
703
VOLUNTEERS
Changing students’ lives every day
42
PARTNERS
Working with CIS to deliver services and resources to students in schools
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
It only takes one person to make a difference in a student’s life. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating an item to Kids’ Closet, or making a financial gift that supports an entire program, it takes everyone together to help our children succeed.
Lives are changing every day.
Partnerships are the lifeblood of CIS. Kalamazoo is rich in resources so we partner to provide the best services to students. Our expertise is connecting the right services to the students who need them most.
— USE YOUR CHANGE
TO MAKE A BIGGER CHANGE
Your gift helps students get what they need to stay in school and achieve in life.
— USE YOUR CHANGE
TO MAKE A BIGGER CHANGE
Your gift helps students get what they need to stay in school and achieve in life.
CIS Think Summer! is in full swing this year for elementary and secondary students thanks to continued support of federal dollars awarded through the Michigan Department of Education, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. CIS Think Summer! is designed to reduce summer learning loss and increase academic and enrichment opportunities. Until this year, students’ CIS […]
Welcome back to the POP QUIZ! This is a regular, yet totally unexpected, feature where we ask students, parents, staff, our friends, and partners to answer a few questions about what they are learning, reading, and thinking about. Today we feature Maureen Cartmill, CIS Site Coordinator for Woods Lake Elementary: A Magnet Center for the […]
At the end of this 2019/2020 school year, we couldn’t shake students’ hands or pat them on the back to congratulate them for all the hard work they put in to receive their high school diplomas. To celebrate this year’s graduates, we had to get creative. Here are just three ways we’ve been celebrating and […]
Since 1992, Sue Warner has served as the Head of Youth Services. A Kalamazoo native, Sue holds a bachelors degree in English Literature from Indiana University and her MA in Library Science from the University of Michigan. Sue first worked at Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) as a Student Assistant from 1976-1977. She returned as a […]
