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SUCCESS STORIES Thanks to the generosity of donors, CIS has helped thousands of children excel in schools throughout the Charleston region. learn more ROUNDBALL CLASSIC The Roundball Classic is a nationally-recognized basketball tournament that benefits Communities In Schools of the Charleston Area, Inc. and the Rotary Club of North Charleston. learn more THE CHOCOLATE AFFAIR The Chocolate Affair is a gala function offering gourmet catering, chocolate desserts from Charleston's finest restaurants and speciality shops, and auction items. learn more CHARLESTON YACHT AFFAIR The Charleston Yacht Affair features exclusive yacht tours, delicious cuisine from Charleston’s top chefs, entertainment and more. learn more RESOURCES Achievement Gap Report (PDF)
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Who We AreCIS Background and Programs Communities In Schools of the Charleston (SC) Area, Inc. (CIS) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dropout prevention agency whose mission is to champion all youth to stay in school by connecting the best community resources with the needs of students, their families and schools. The overarching goal of Communities In Schools is that all students complete high school. Affiliated with the 31 year-old Communities In Schools-National, CIS opened locally in 1989. A unique collaboration with the Charleston and Berkeley County School Districts allows CIS Student Support Specialists to work within schools where they can respond to the needs of children and their families as they arise. CIS has been twice recognized by Worth magazine as one of the 100 charities that will save the world. Communities In Schools of the Charleston Area, Inc. (CIS) is a charter member of the national dropout prevention network (CIS National) and is located in Charleston, South Carolina. Formerly known as Cities in Schools, CIS-Charleston was established in 1989 following a study by the Johns Hopkins University in Maryland that advised the Charleston County School District to implement dropout prevention programs. In 1990, CIS established the Septima P. Clark Corporate Academy, Charleston County’s first alternative high school. The Clark Academy offers a low student/teacher ratio and a comprehensive support staff for students who have previously not excelled in the traditional school setting. The academy has been recognized by America’s Promise as one of America’s Schools of Promise. Through outstanding partnerships and the efforts of a committed staff and Board of Directors, Communities In Schools has worked to help students remain in school, in an environment tailored to their particular needs, and in a program that prepares them for life as productive adults. Because of “working partnerships” with various organizations, CIS is able to provide a variety of services. Currently, we work with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), The Charleston Center (Department of Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Services), Charleston County Department of Social Services (DSS), Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS), South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), South Carolina Department of Environmental Control (DHEC), Trident United Way, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts of America, The Mayor’s Office for Children, Outward Bound, Youth and Families, Charleston/Dorchester Community Mental Health Center, Rural Missions, City of Charleston Department of Recreation, From Darkness to Light, Parents Anonymous of South Carolina, South Carolina Center for Family Programs, Charleston County Parks and Recreation, and other organizations, each of which provide services as part of its partnership with CIS. In this manner, CIS brings the expertise and resources of existing agencies into the dropout prevention arena. Within this diversity of approaches, all CIS partnerships are united behind “the five basics for kids”: ➢ Every child needs and deserves a personal, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult Results CIS has been very successful in achieving positive results with the students who actively participate in the CIS programs. For the 2008-09 school year, the following outcomes were achieved based on 594 students who received Student Support services: ➢ Academic achievement: 82% of the students who actively participated in CIS programs improved numeric grades in one or more core subject area. During the 2008-2009 school year, Communities In Schools will serve students in fifteen schools: ➢ North Charleston Elementary School ** * denotes CIS staff members
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