2023-2024 Annual Report
A Note from our Leadership
This year, Communities In Schools of Michigan stood alongside more than 38,000 students in 73 schools, providing the wraparound supports they need to stay on the path to success. From one-on-one case management to schoolwide enrichment, our team delivered over 17,438 hours of support that helped students achieve a 90% promotion rate. These numbers reflect more than outcomes—they represent the resilience and determination of Michigan’s young people, and the collective effort of staff, partners, and communities who believe in them.
One of the most inspiring highlights was the growth of Student Voices for Healthy Choices, which empowered 274 students in 29 schools to design wellness projects for their peers—from smoothie stations and yoga events to new playground spaces. As one student reflected, “It feels good that we're taking care of our school and making a better and more healthier school.” Stories like these remind us that when students are given the opportunity to lead, they gain confidence, agency, and a sense of possibility. With gratitude for our partners, staff, and supporters, we look forward to building on this momentum to ensure every student in Michigan has the chance to thrive.
Mallory DePrekel, CEO of Communities In Schools of Michigan
David Hecker, Board Chair
Communities In Schools of Michigan
Communities In Schools of Michigan is part of a national network that ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working directly inside 73 schools, we connect 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.
Our Numbers
72
Schools Served
761
Case-managed Students
38,554
Total Student Population
136
Non-case-managed students receiving targeted services
90%
K-11 Promotion Rate
Demographics of Case-Managed Students
93%
Qualify for Free/Reduced Priced Lunch
16%
English Language Learners
38%
Self-reported having experienced trauma or significant stressors
Basic Needs
142,029
Total Units Provided
$1,059,620
Total Price of Units
Student Voices For Healthy Choices
Student Voices for Healthy Choices empowered small groups of students at select schools to design and implement wellness projects tailored to their school communities. In its second full year (2023–2024), the program expanded to include 20 schools supported by Communities In Schools of Michigan. At each participating school, students formed Wellness Teams, partnered with an external organization, and managed a budget of approximately $1,900 to bring their chosen wellness projects to life. A total of 179 students took part in the 2023–2024 Wellness Teams, including ten returning participants from the program’s first year.
Students overwhelmingly reported positive experiences with Student Voices for Healthy Choices. Across both years, the most common reasons for enjoying the program were the opportunity to lead and the ability to build strong connections with their team members. Many students appreciated the chance to take ownership of an idea and see it through to completion. Students also shared that they enjoyed learning new health-related information they may not have encountered otherwise, often paired with opportunities to practice healthy habits alongside their peers.
A notable new theme in year two was students’ pride in creating experiences their classmates genuinely enjoyed, whether through smoothie-making stations, yoga events, or playground improvements. As one student from Woodworth Middle School reflected, “we can make people feel happy.” Students also reported growth in self-confidence and advocacy skills. Many shared that they learned how to express their ideas more clearly, speak publicly, and engage effectively with school leadership.
As in year one, the most frequently reported outcome of the program was behavior change related to health. The most common changes included healthier eating habits, such as increased fruit and vegetable consumption, reduced intake of unhealthy foods, and more balanced meals. Students also noted a shift in mindset, including discovering that healthy food can taste better than expected and recognizing the broader importance of nutritious eating. Participation in the program also led many students to become more physically active, spend more time outdoors, and cut back on screen time.
What People Are Saying
“We have made a difference by bringing awareness to healthy living and by bringing in yoga to our school for every student to participate in.”
- Student from Ferndale Upper Elementary
“Health means learning what is healthy and unhealthy for you, applying it, and then teaching it to others like we did at our Wellness Expo at Reach Academy!”
- Reach Charter Academy student
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24 Schools Participated
6 Elementary School teams
13 Middle School teams
5 High School teams
-
Project Focuses
9 projects focused on nutrition
9 projects focused on physical activity
6 physical activity and nutrition
4 additional extension projects
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Outcomes
91% of students shared at least one positive impact from participation in Student Voices for Healthy Choices
32 students described one or more changes in health behavior
31 students described improvements to social-emotional health in one or more ways
25 students described increased agency in one or more ways
Our Integrated Student Supports
Whole School Supports
13,319
Total Hours of Whole School Supports
285,451
Students Served
77,198
Parents Served
Top Whole School Supports
Enrichment & Motivational Programs
Academic Assistance
Behavioral Interventions
Small Group Supports
1,053
Total Hours of Small Group Supports
Top Small Group Supports
Life & Social Skills
Academic Assistance
Behavioral Interventions
One-on-One Supports
3,066
Total Hours of One-on-One Supports
Top One-on-One Supports
Life & Social Skills
Case Management
Behavioral Interventions
MDE Invests in Student Success Through Communities In Schools Partnership
In 2024, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) expanded its partnership with Communities In Schools (CIS) affiliates through a new grant opportunity aimed at increasing access to wraparound services for students across the state. This investment reflects a strategic commitment to removing barriers to learning and promoting student success through targeted, relationship-driven support.
Through this collaboration, schools are better equipped to deliver Integrated Student Supports such as academic tutoring, mentoring, college and career preparation, and social-emotional development. These services are designed to help students stay engaged, improve attendance and performance, and increase graduation rates.
“MDE's financial commitment to assist districts in providing wraparound supports through CIS is another example of the department's deep commitment to lifting up Michigan's students,” said Dr. David Hecker, CIS of Michigan Board President.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice reinforced the importance of this partnership, describing CIS as “a great partner to school districts across the country to support children in everything from literacy and math tutoring to extended learning time to helping kids graduate from high school.”
At the local level, this commitment was brought to life through the launch of the Bridge to College Program at Ferndale High School. Led by CIS Student Support Coordinator Myles Green, the program provided graduating seniors with College Care Kits filled with essential items, including laptops, bedding, and dorm supplies, equipping them for a strong start in postsecondary education. Made possible through support from Meijer and Oak Park Manor, the program is expected to become a yearly tradition.
This partnership exemplifies how statewide leadership, when paired with community-based implementation, can create meaningful outcomes for students, both in the classroom and beyond graduation.
Student Goal Achievement
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Attendance
51% met their goal
26% made progress
-
Academic
59% met their goal
28% made progress
-
Behavior
74% met their goal
14% made progress
-
SEL
71% met their goal
21% made progress
“Our students gravitate to [CIS of MI] staff effortlessly and in return the staff is always willing to go above and beyond for our students! So the C in CIS represents more than just community in schools, it’s Culture in Schools, it’s Collaboration in Schools, it’s Commitment in Schools, it’s Connections in Schools, and most importantly, it builds confidence in our students!”
Superintendent Patricia Perry of Madison District Public Schools
School-Wide Goal Achievement
-
Attendance
42% met their goal
42% made progress
-
Academic
60% met their goal
20% made progress
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Behavior
63% met their goal
25% made progress
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SEL
67% met their goal
33% made progress
“There are so many more things to do in our playground. We really made a lasting difference that will be there for a few years even after we are gone to middle school. That is really cool that we did something like that.”
Student Voices for Healthy Choices at Madison Elementary School
The eleven student-leaders on the Madison Elementary School Student Voices for Healthy Choices (SVHC) team approached the challenge of creating a healthy change in their school community with determination. After exploring various avenues, they decided to encourage physical activity among students by updating their play area. They diligently researched playground equipment, conducted surveys among their peers, and meticulously drafted plans.
By late January 2024, they had crafted a comprehensive proposal for their school principal, Dr. Hemingway. Incorporating feedback from fellow students, these student-leaders advocated for the installation of a new Gaga ball pit, two soccer nets, and an asphalt area with a basketball hoop. Their proposal called for utilizing SVHC grant funding to cover the costs of the Gaga ball pit and soccer nets and requesting school contributions for the basketball court expenses, estimated at $12,500.
Principal Hemingway, deeply impressed by the students' zeal and detailed plans He extended an invitation for them to present to District Superintendent Patricia Perry. Superintendent Perry, who was equally impressed and encouraged the students to seek funding from the Madison District Public Schools Board of Education.
On March 4th, 2024, the students presented their case in front of the school board at the Madison High School Auditorium. With district staff, students, and families in attendance, seven SVHC students took turns at the microphone, facing the school board members seated on stage and passionately advocating for a safe and inclusive playground environment that would foster physical activity and social interaction. Their presentation encompassed detailed budget breakdowns, survey results, anticipated benefits, and proposed timelines. During the ensuing question session, board members inquired about installation logistics, property ownership, and professional verification of cost estimates. Satisfied with the responses, Board member Crystal Beaver initiated a motion to amend the agenda to vote on the students’ proposal, which was unanimously approved.
The atmosphere was palpable as the board prepared to vote on approving funding for the basketball court. Six resounding "aye" votes later, the motion passed unanimously! Seven courageous students left that evening with approval for up to $13,000 for the basketball court, a commitment to commence work promptly, and a profound realization of the impact young individuals with a shared vision can achieve.
Our Revenue
Where Our Money Comes From
Investment Income - $140,021.00
In-Kind Contributions - $678,103.00
Fundraising net of related costs - $159,561.00
Donations - $386,290.00
Local Grants & Contracts - $4,595,193.00
Misc. - $6,152.00
Our Expenses
How Our Funding is Allocated
Management & General - $476,797.00
Direct Program Services - $6,195,704.00
Fundraising - $214,246.00
Reading Buddies Program in Battle Creek
As part of a broader literacy initiative, the Reading Buddies program in Battle Creek provided individualized support to elementary students through monthly sessions with dedicated community volunteers. During the year, five schools participated in the program, with 52 students enrolled.
These students, identified as having the greatest need for literacy support, received one-on-one mentoring focused on improving their reading skills. The consistent and personal nature of the program fostered strong, trusting relationships between students and their Reading Buddies. Students consistently arrived at sessions eager to engage and motivated to improve.
Notably, 80% of participants achieved their individual reading goals over the course of the program, reflecting the positive impact of this targeted intervention.
As Superintendent Kim Carter remarked in a news article, “You have given our students a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration.” The role of a Reading Buddy extends far beyond literacy tutoring—it is a meaningful connection that inspires growth, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.
Donors $250,000+
Donors $50,001-$100,000
Donors $25,001-$50,000
Donors $10,001-$25,000
Donors $5,001-$10,000
Donors $1,001-$5,000
Donors $501-$1,000
Donors $500
Our Board
