About Us
Who We Are
Since 1990, Communities In Schools of Wake County has lifted up economically disadvantaged students through connections to resources to address unmet basic needs and provision of academic tutoring and enrichment opportunities. CIS Wake is a strategic partner with the Wake County Public School System to reach at-risk students in their schools. CIS Wake is also a strategic partner with the Raleigh Housing Authority to reach students and families through learning centers located within public housing communities across the City of Raleigh.
CIS Wake is part of a national network of local CIS affiliates operating across 27 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, serving nearly 2 million students and their families. (More Info…)
Our Pact for Impact
We recognize the unique, varied experiences of our students, staff, and community. We believe in the amplification of ALL voices and foster an inclusive environment where people who represent diverse backgrounds or identities can feel free, welcomed, and valued. We are proud to celebrate the differences that make each individual unique and continue to make a commitment to prioritizing equitable access, resources, and opportunities for the many lives that we impact.
Our Mission
We surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Our Approach
We provide each student with a one-on-one relationship with a trusted adult advocate as well as individualized supports and opportunities for growth and improvement. We use a case-management model to ensure improvements in student performance for attendance, behavior, and course grades.
Our Values
We believe that every student deserves:
- A one-on-one relationship with a caring adult (academic coaches, mentors, volunteers, tutors)
- A safe place to learn and grow (in-school and after-school tutorial programs)
- A healthy start and a healthy future (proper nutrition and positive reinforcement)
- A chance to give back to peers and the community (community service opportunities)
- A marketable skill to use upon graduation (professional and leadership development).
What We Do
In Schools
CIS Wake’s Success Coaches build one-on-one trusted relationships with students to address unmet basic needs that lead to missed school days, behavior issues, and poor grades.
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In Communities
CIS Wake’s Learning Centers operate year-round within Raleigh Housing Authority communities to bring high-quality tutorial and enrichment programs to resident students and families.
MoreWho We Serve
Our Students
Our students are otherwise ordinary students who face extra-ordinary barriers to their success in school and life. They typically come from under-resourced households and marginalized communities; struggle with unmet basic needs; and lack positive role models. Our students represent a diverse range of ages, grade-levels, achievement levels, socioeconomic status, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Each students is unique with an individualized set of needs and challenges, all urgent. With the support of our staff to meet their needs, our students grow in capability, accountability, and vision for a future in which they realize their full potential.
Our Families
Our families are often more than just a mom, dad, grandmother and/or siblings. They are typically comprised of diverse caregivers and family systems seeking support to make sure their child can be successful in school, at home, and in life. Families leverage our support to overcome challenges stemming from a lack of access to sufficient resources, language barriers, and systems beyond their control or experience.