Communities In Schools® (CIS®) of Northeast Washington is actively seeking school districts to collaborate and participate in receiving financial support
Scaling for Success
In 2023, Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA) received a grant from Ballmer Group for $9 million to help the organization scale its integrated student support model over the next five (5) years. This funding will support growth, equalizing educational opportunities for young people in schools across Washington State.
With this new award from Ballmer Group (now known as Scaling for Success), the goal is to invest and target expansion in two (2) types of schools:
- Title 1 Schools
- Schools where chronic absenteeism disproportionately impacts marginalized groups
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is a national organization partnering with schools to address the diverse needs of students and foster an environment where every child can thrive academically and personally. By collaborating closely with educators, families, and community organizations, CIS aims to break down barriers to learning, ultimately empowering students to overcome challenges and succeed in their educational journey and broader life goals.
CIS employs a comprehensive approach, offering various support services such as academic assistance, counseling, mentorship, and access to essential resources. Through targeted interventions and a focus on building strong, supportive relationships, CIS contributes significantly to creating a positive and inclusive school culture that enhances students’ overall well-being and success.
THE BENEFIT
This funding opportunity provides financial support for three (3) years for districts to support a Communities in Schools site coordinator in their schools. The scope of collaboration between your school district and Communities In Schools® will encompass:
- Program Implementation: CIS will partner with the school district to implement its evidence-based programming, tailored to the district’s unique needs and challenges.
- Integrated Student Supports: Broker comprehensive student support services, including case management, mentoring, tutoring, family engagement, college and career preparation, and access to essential resources like food, clothing, and hygiene products. These supports are provided as school-wide, small group, or one-on-one supports targeting students with strategic and intensive level needs.
- Family and Community Engagement: Engage families and local community organizations to strengthen the support network for students, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Data and Impact Assessment: Collaborate on data collection and reporting to evaluate the effectiveness of CIS programming in improving student outcomes. CIS has a data management system that staff use to monitor progress and track impact for individual students and school-wide goals. Goals include attendance, coursework, behavior, culture and climate, social-emotional learning, and college and career preparedness. Staff work with school administration to ensure supports stay aligned with the needs of the school and adjust as needed.
LEARN MORE
For more information on how your school district can benefit from the funding, contact Dan White, Program Director, Communities In Schools of Rural Eastern WA at danw@cisruraleasternwa.org or use the form below.
About Communities In Schools of Washington
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is a national organization that ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background, has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. CIS began operating in Washington in 1991 to help provide resources to meet basic needs of students so they could fully benefit from their education. Our Washington CIS network now includes our CIS of Washington state office, 11 independent affiliates, and 3 emerging affiliates. Working directly inside over 200 schools in Washington state, our network connects students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. Together, we build a powerful change movement made up of peers, students, and alumni committed to building an equitable path to education for future generations.
About Ballmer Group
Ballmer Group is committed to improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States, funding leaders and organizations that have demonstrated the ability to reshape opportunity and reduce systemic inequities. We focus on multiple impact areas and systems that can impact economic mobility – such as early learning, K-12 education, college and career pathways, housing, behavioral health, and criminal justice – and we support leaders and organizations that focus on undoing systemic racism and the barriers it has created. Ballmer Group is both a national and regional funder – we have a presence and invest deeply in southeast Michigan, Washington state, and Los Angeles County. Ballmer Group was co-founded by philanthropist Connie Ballmer and her husband Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, founder of USAFacts, and chairman of the Los Angeles Clippers. Learn more at BallmerGroup.org.
