HOW WE WORK
We work with you so that our Site Coordinators can deliver the right resources to the right students at the right time to address the needs of the whole child. By working with the Kalamazoo Public Schools, we identify and help students overcome barriers that get in the way of their success.
We believe that every child needs and deserves …
A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult
Knowing that programs don’t change kids and that relationships do, we connect students to caring adults who offer encouragement, academic support, and hope.
a safe place to learn
and grow
Creating safe, nurturing space through after school and summer experiences extends students’ learning and helps them achieve their potential.
a healthy start and a healthy future
Linking students to vision and dental exams, social/emotional supports, and other basics are pre-requisites to growing healthy people. When basic needs are met, students can better focus on learning.
a marketable skill to use
upon graduation
Offering literacy programs, career and post-secondary education exploration, job shadowing helps prepare students for today’s labor force.
a chance to give back to peers and community
Providing students opportunities to share strengths, talents, and time with others, by volunteering, tutoring younger students, and other ways helps young people feel connected to their community.
We look for ways to provide.
Basic Needs
Students aren’t at their best if they are hungry, cold, tired, or don’t have the necessities, like clothing, school supplies or hygiene items. CIS Site Coordinators see to it that students can focus on learning and teachers can focus on teaching.
Academic Assistance
Sometimes students just need a little assistance to lift them to success. We connect students with the extra support they need to succeed.
Health Initiatives
Healthier children make better students. It’s hard to focus on math and reading if a student can’t see the blackboard, is suffering from a tooth ache, or absent because of untreated asthma. Addressing health needs with the help of our community partners keeps students in school, focused, and ready to learn.
Social Emotional Health
We want students to approach people and challenges in healthy ways. How do you learn to pay attention? Solve problems or conflicts with others? Be persistent in the face of frustration? Our students are learning these and other critical life skills thanks to effective CIS partners and volunteers.
After School & Summer Programs
These strategies extend the learning day and year, as well as give students a safe place to learn and grow. From enriching experiences to additional academic support, our after school and summer programs offer opportunities for student success.
College and Career Exploration
Students in KPS have The Kalamazoo Promise®. We do what it takes to get them there, growing a college-going culture, exposure to careers, and helping students obtain the skills they need–financial literacy, resume writing, and interview skills– to realize their dreams.
Basic Needs
Students aren’t at their best if they are hungry, cold, tired, or don’t have the necessities, like clothing, school supplies or hygiene items. CIS Site Coordinators see to it that students can focus on learning and teachers can focus on teaching.
Academic Assistance
Sometimes students just need a little assistance to lift them to success. We connect students with the extra support they need to succeed.
Health Initiatives
Healthier children make better students. It’s hard to focus on math and reading if a student can’t see the blackboard, is suffering from a tooth ache, or absent because of untreated asthma. Addressing health needs with the help of our community partners keeps students in school, focused, and ready to learn.
Social Emotional Health
We want students to approach people and challenges in healthy ways. How do you learn to pay attention? Solve problems or conflicts with others? Be persistent in the face of frustration? Our students are learning these and other critical life skills thanks to effective CIS partners and volunteers.
After School & Summer Programs
These strategies extend the learning day and year, as well as give students a safe place to learn and grow. From enriching experiences to additional academic support, our after school and summer programs offer opportunities for student success.
College and Career Exploration
Students in KPS have The Kalamazoo Promise®. We do what it takes to get them there, growing a college-going culture, exposure to careers, and helping students obtain the skills they need–financial literacy, resume writing, and interview skills– to realize their dreams.
16,705
Kids’ Closet
Items distributed to students
2,437
Mental Health
Hours of service coordinated
1,200
Dental visits
Coordinated by CIS
1,280
tummies
Filled by connecting hungry students to food assistance
