Communities In Schools of Chicago (CIS of Chicago) is the foremost nonprofit organization in Chicago dedicated to ensuring that students can overcome obstacles and successfully navigate their journey towards graduation. Founded with the mission to provide a supportive community for students, CIS of Chicago has been instrumental in connecting various community-based partners with schools since its inception in 1988.
Over the years, the organization has evolved, formalizing its Partnership Program in the mid-1990s to link community-based support programs with schools in need. Notably, CIS of Chicago introduced its Intensive Program in the 2009–10 academic year, later expanded to 30 sites. This initiative has significantly increased the organization’s reach, with over 69,500 students benefiting from its programs during the 2022–23 school year.
By surrounding underserved youth with a robust support network, CIS of Chicago has become a pivotal force in expanding opportunities and eliminating barriers to their future success, impacting over 78,000 students across 238 Chicago public schools.