Our History
As the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization, Communities In Schools is the only one proven to both decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates. In 2001, CIS® of Northwest Michigan began supporting children and their families in the Mancelona Public Schools. Over our 20-plus year presence in the region, the graduation rate climbed from 64% (2002) to 100% (2023). Building upon our successes, CIS® of Northwest Michigan expanded services into communities throughout Northwest Michigan in the 2017-18 academic year.
Our Values
Accountability
Integrity
Collaboration
Equity
Excellence
Our Process
CIS® supports the whole student, addressing academic and non-academic barriers to success. Our site coordinators have the empathy and the expertise to address every student’s individual needs. As steady sources of support, our site coordinators connect students with the resources and/or community referrals to steward achievement in school – and in life. Every student’s needs are different, so our community of support ensures that all students and families receive resources personalized to their needs.
Our DEI Belief Statement
Communities In Schools® believes that transformative relationships are key to unlocking a student’s potential. We will succeed by including in our strategies, ingraining in our culture, and reflecting in our behaviors, principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a result, we break down immediate and systemic barriers to create and sustain equitable outcomes.
