About Us
Who We Are
Communities In Schools of Michigan is part of the national Communities In Schools network, working to ensure that every student—regardless of zip code, background, or ability—has the support needed to thrive in school and beyond.
Operating directly inside 73 schools across Michigan, we provide students with access to caring adults, educational resources, and community support systems that help them overcome academic and personal challenges.
By breaking down barriers to learning, we empower students to stay in school, graduate, and build a brighter future.
We’re proud to lead a statewide movement for educational equity, driven by students, peers, alumni, and partners who are committed to transforming outcomes for future generations.
Join us in creating lasting change for Michigan students.
What We Do: Integrated Student Supports
At Communities In Schools of Michigan, our Student Support Coordinators work inside schools and alongside volunteers, partners, and the local community to ensure students get the support they need—both in and out of the classroom. By offering a range of services and tailoring support to individual needs, we’re able to serve the whole school while focusing extra attention on students facing the greatest challenges.
Here’s how we help:
Academic Assistance
Our student support coordinators connect students with tutors, create quiet spaces to study, and make sure they have what they need to stay on track academically. We also guide students who are planning for college or looking ahead to their careers.
Community & Service Learning
We provide opportunities for students to engage in real-world experiences through volunteer work, mentoring, and service projects—helping them build connections and see the impact they can have on their community.
Basic Needs
It’s hard to learn when basic needs go unmet. Whether it’s food, clothing, hygiene products, or access to transportation, we make sure students and their families have the essentials—so students can focus on learning.
College & Career Prep
From navigating college applications and scholarships to finding internships, exploring career paths, and practicing interview skills, we help students feel confident and prepared for life after graduation.
How We Do It: The CIS Model: Integrated Student Supports
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Discover Needs
Through conversations with teachers and students—alongside robust data analysis—CIS student support coordinators identify the biggest challenges facing schools and individual students.
Plan Together
CIS student support coordinators work with school administrators and educators to develop a plan that prioritizes the various academic and non-academic supports that meet students' needs.
Integrate Supports
CIS Student support coordinators work with school teams every day to integrate the supports identified in the planning process. That’s how CIS becomes an integral part of a school community and students’ lives.
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Monitor, Evaluate, and Adjust
CIS student support coordinators work with schools to continuously monitor student and school progress, using the data and feedback to optimize results. Continuous assessment of partners and student supports helps us increase our impact.
Three Tiers of Support
The CIS evidence-based model is a whole-school approach to deliver tiered supports that best meet the needs of the school, including those of individual students.
We provide these supports in three different tiers.
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Whole-School Level
Widely available services designed to foster a positive school climate and address school-level risk factors.
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Targeted Services
Targeted services which are typically provided in a group setting to students with a common need.
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Individualized Services
Intensive, individualized services are typically provided in a one-on-one setting to students with highly specific needs.