Program Description

Communities In Schools (CIS) of El Paso is part of a national and statewide network that empowers students to achieve social, personal, and academic advancement by surrounding them with a community of support, helping them stay in school and succeed in life.

The mission of Communities in Schools of El Paso, Inc. is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.  Since 1985, CIS of El Paso has been and continues to be the only school-based, non-profit organization serving the needs of El Paso. CIS of El Paso started operations with one school in 1985. CIS of El Paso program coordinators worked directly on campuses across various school districts in El Paso.

CIS of El Paso recognizes the importance of society and community in a student’s academic success. The primary goals of CIS are to help students stay in school and improve academically, attend school regularly, and/or improve behavior. The focus for CIS students is: improve academic achievement; improve attendance; decrease disruptive behavior; promote to the next grade level; achieve high school graduation; avoid contact with the Juvenile Justice System; encourage higher education and career preparation; and increase awareness through enrichment activities.

CIS of El Paso believes that keeping young people in school is not just the job of the teachers or the school; it is a community responsibility.  It is the responsibility of the schools, parents, employers, and community groups to help young people prepare for life.  CIS of El Paso provides year-round services and connects schools with the resources students need to stay in school and learn successfully. CIS program coordinators assigned to each campus coordinate services designed to assist not only individual students but the entire school population. They receive preparation through Project Operations, Program Shadowing and Sharing, and staff development throughout the school year.